No. 84 November 2010 News Carillon www.gcna.org Newsletter of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America Naperville Hosts Michigan Joint Features 2010 Congress Congress to Celebrate GCNA GCNA Congress Anniversary in Naperville ...... 1

2011 Joint GCNA and by Dennis Curry WCF Congress...... 1 ext year, the GCNA turns 75, and we New Carillonneur Nhave invited the world to help us cele- Members ...... 4 brate. Southeastern Michigan will be the lo- cation of the festivities, with its wealth of carillon history and fine instruments and set- Celebration of the tings. Five Hundredth The Michigan carillonneurs are busy Anniversary of planning a spectacular congress, combining the Carillon ...... 9 the GCNA’s annual congress with the WCF’s triennial congress—which will likely be the largest gathering of carillon- by Jim Fackenthal neurs in the five-hundred-year history of our Plus instrument. Specific details will be commu- ast June, the City of Naperville, Ill., nicated as they evolve and will be posted on th Calendar ...... 3 Lwelcomed the 68 Congress of the the GCNA and WCF websites. GCNA. Naperville (population 144,560, Overtones slightly larger than Kansas City, Mo.) Dates: June 26—July 1, 2011 Regional Notes ...... 10 proudly dedicated its new carillon in 2000, then celebrated its tenth anniversary this Highlights include: Foreign News ...... 14 year by hosting the June carillonneurs’ meet- ing with enthusiasm and genuine civic pride. • Opening festive service and recitals at Kirk Book Review ...... 19 Before the first meetings on Monday, in the Hills June 14, the assembled carillonneurs heard a •Recitals at Christ Church Cranbrook and Notices ...... 21 hosts’ recital performed on the Millennium St. Hugo of the Hills Carillon in Moser Tower by the Naperville •A Guinness World Record recital celebrat- carillonneurs, Mark Lee, Christine Power, In Memoriam ...... 22 ing our 75 years James M. Brown, Sue Bergren, and Tim •Ann Arbor visit: 75th anniversary of Baird Sleep, the Naperville City Carillonneur. Carillon

see Congress, page 5 see Joint Congress, page 8 1 Carillon News is published each April and November by the Guild of Carillon News Carillonneurs in North America, a California non-profit corporation. GCNA Officers: GCNA Committee listings Dave Johnson, President Archives Bill De Turk, chair Deadlines: Submissions for publication [email protected] must be received by February 15 for the Barnes Andrea McCrady, Robin spring issue and September 15 for the Dennis Curry, Vice-President [email protected] Scholarship Austin, chairs, Dave fall issue. Submissions should be type- Fund Hunsberger, Lisa Lonie, written and double-spaced and are appre- Diane Heard, Recording Secretary Janet Tebbel ciated by e-mail. Send materials to: Jury John Agraz, John Bordley, [email protected] Tim Sleep, Corresponding Secretary Arla Jo Gideon, Roy [email protected] [email protected] Hamlin Johnson, Loyd Lott, Mary McFarland, Mark Lee David Hunsberger, Treasurer 410 South Michigan Ave. Suite 528 [email protected] alternate, David Osborn, alternate Chicago, IL 60605 Board of Directors: 312-596-4022 Brochure Julia Littleton, chair Dennis Curry (2011) Steven Ball Opinions expressed in Carillon News David Hunsberger (2011) are not necessarily those of the editors, Carlo van Ulft (2011) Bulletin John Bordley, chair nor do they necessarily carry the en- Linda Dzuris (2012) Laurel Buckwalter, dorsement of the GCNA. Laura Ellis (2012) Jeremy Chesman, Ellen John Widmann (2012) Back issues of Carillon News, if avail- Dickinson, Todd Fair, able, cost $2 per issue. Submit checks Sue Bergren (2013) Claire Halpert, Margo in US dollars only, payable to “GCNA.” Dave Johnson (2013) Halsted, Kimberly Schafer For further information contact: Tim Sleep (2013) Bill De Turk - GCNA Archivist Bylaws Gloria Werblow, chair Historic Bok Sanctuary Beverly Buchanan, 1151 Tower Boulevard Bill De Turk, Sharon Lake Wales, FL 33853 Hettinger 863-676-1154 (w) HOW TO REACH THE GUILD ******************************** Guild Web Page: Carillon Tiffany Ng, chair Co-Editors Directory Jason Lee, http://www.gcna.org Sue Bergren and Mark Lee Carl Zimmerman Editorial Staff Wylie Crawford, Joost Dupon, Membership information and applica- Carillon News Sue Bergren, Mark Lee, Tammy Ghattas, and Dave Johnson tions are available from: Story Contributors chairs, Jim Fackenthal Berea College, J. Bordley, B. Buchanan, Tim Sleep D. Buchanan, J. Catchpoole, L. Cobb, 28W640 Warrenville Rd. Central Mailing Laurel Buckwalter W. Crawford, D. Curry, F. DellaPenna, Warrenville, IL 60555 J. Dupon, L. Ellis, J. Fackenthal, T. Fair, 630-393-2137 Examination Lisa Lonie, chair M. Halsted, A. Heebner, S. Hettinger, [email protected] D. Johnson, J. King, L. Lonie, A. McCrady, Jeremy Chesman, Lee R. McLellan, G. Martindale, Michigan State Cobb, John Gouwens, University, E. Nassor, T. Sleep, C. Taylor, Carol Lens, Pat Macoska, J. Tebbel, R. Watson GCNA mailing labels are available to Ray McLellan, Julianne Photo Credits GCNA members as a free download from the Vanden Wyngaard Berea College, J. Bordley, B. Buchanan, members only section of the Guild Web Page J. Catchpoole, L. Cobb, D. Curry, T. Fair, http://www.gcna.org. D. Gefvert, M. Halsted, H. Hawley, Finance John Widmann, chair S. Hettinger, D. Johnson, J. King, Non-members may purchase labels for $45. Committee Larry Weinstein P. Langberg, J. Lehrer, A. McCrady, Send label requests and changes of address to: G. Martindale, E. Nassor, S. Schreiber, Franco John Gouwens, chair C. Seidel, J. Walton, R. Watson, Back page Wylie Crawford Composition Lee Cobb, Jeff Davis, photo: Denise R. Halverson 701 Sheridan Road Fund Design and Production Evanston, IL 60202 Thomas Lee, Tin-Shi Tam Sue Bergren, Jim Fackenthal, Mark Lee 847-328-2333 (h) Printing [email protected] Legal Dave Hunsberger, chair Sally Harwood, Sue Jones, D & R Press, Elmwood Park, IL Roy Lee Copyright 2010 by The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America. All rights reserved. Reproduction in Membership Carol Anne Taylor, chair whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All Enrichment Helen Hawley, Diane items submitted for publication become the property of the GCNA, except that contributors assume liabil- Heard, Thomas Lee, Janet ity for copyrighted photographs or music examples Tebbel, Phyllis Webb submitted, and assume responsibility for claims therefrom made against the publisher. For permis- sion to reprint contact the co-editors at the address see Committees, page 3 listed above. 2 As we move forward on various fronts, our current organizational circumstance from the President should comfort each of us. New committee Calendar chairs recently joined the ranks, bringing fresh enthusiasm and ideas to the Guild’s 2011 Joint GCNA and work, while seasoned chairs continue with their respective agendas. The joint 2011 WCF Congress, GCNA-WCF congress, being planned by Bloomfield Hills, Mich. the Michigan contingency, promises to be a June 26–July 1, 2011 hosting and showcasing opportunity with- out precedent. As always, we will no doubt 50th International Carillon continue to generate reasons and opportu- nities for philosophical and practical dis- Festival, Springfield, Ill. cussion and debate. June 5–12, 2011 So we certainly need to look ahead with wisdom, courage, imagination, and sensi- Midwest Regional Carillon am honored to have been chosen as your tivity. Equally important, we need to pause Conference, and reflect on the growth and achievements Ipresident. In the 16 years since I became Springfield, Ill. a member of the Guild, and especially dur- of the recent past. My predecessor, Dennis ing those that I served as recording secre- Curry, deserves our sincerest gratitude and June 6 and 7, 2011 tary, I’ve acquired deep appreciation for our thanks. With his informed perspective, his organization and the diverse group of indi- insights into organizational management, viduals who comprise it. Often with passion his institutional memory, and his profound the Ad Hoc Examination Committee, led by and intensity, and always sincerely deter- understanding of the Guild’s individual and Pat Macoska. Its deliberations, and particu- mined to advocate and do the right thing as collective idiosyncrasies constantly in evi- larly its synthesis of survey data submitted we see it from our widely varied and in- dence, he brought wise, thoughtful, de- by the membership, led to the board’s deci- formed perspectives, we are collectively a manding, humane, and sensitive leadership sion at Naperville to proceed with the cre- wise and energizing force on behalf of the to his work. He encouraged openness, ation of an Associate Carillonneur unique instrument that we embrace. As we sought and welcomed creative suggestions, Examination process. Charged by the board seek to advance the interests of the Guild, advanced many of his own, outlined ap- to implement the decision, a committee we seldom shy from expressing and pro- proaches to planning, promoted profession- headed by Margo Halsted is now at work. moting our convictions. We have shown alism, moderated and mediated differences Years of speculation and argumentation ourselves to be blunt, aggressive, and stub- of opinion, represented us proudly at home concerning this fundamental issue are about born. Yet even in moments of discomfort and in the international community, re- to see concrete resolution. brought on by intense disagreement, we ul- minded us not to overlook potential part- Thank you, Dennis, for all you did, for timately incline to honor and respect our ad- nerships in our various neighborhoods, all you are continuing to do, and in the cur- versaries, clearly convinced that we must oversaw and implemented many organiza- rent context, for all you have conveyed to never allow difference of opinion to trump tional changes, and initiated others cur- me and to others, directly, indirectly, and in- the search for a sensible solution, almost in- rently underway. tuitively, about the nature, purpose, de- variably through accommodation and com- Certainly the most significant of these mands, and limitations of leadership. promise. changes has been the outcome of work by from Committees, page 2

Music Publications Laura Ellis, chair Public Relations Linda Dzuris, chair WCF Delegates Wylie Crawford, president, Carlo van Ulft – Arrangements Norman Bliss, Joseph Dennis Curry, vice presi- Lee Cobb, Ellen Daniel, Frank DellaPenna, dent, Janet Tebbel, Carl Dickinson, Gordon Slater Margo Halsted, Zimmerman, treasurer John Gouwens – Compositions David Maker, Ray Liz Berghout, Sharon McLellan, Carol Anne Webpage Carl Zimmerman, chair Hettinger, Carol Anne Taylor & Internet and webmaster, Norman Taylor Bliss, Wylie Crawford, Roster Wylie Crawford, chair Dawn Daehn, Jim Nominations Carol Lens, chair Sue Bergren, David Fackenthal, Arla Jo George Gregory, Sue Jones Hunsberger, Mark Lee, Gideon, Julia Littleton, Tim Sleep Tiffany Ng, Brian Tang Policies, Gloria Werblow, chair Procedures & Beverly Buchanan, Marie Tower Construction 2011 Congress Dennis Curry, chair Guidelines Robillard & Renovation Pat Macoska, chair Michigan carillonneurs Steven Ball Professional Ellen Dickinson 2012 Congress Linda Dzuris, chair Concerns 3 New Carillonneur Members by Lisa Lonie

he Examination Committee and Mem- Tbership of the GCNA are pleased to an- nounce that the following individuals successfully passed the examination for Carillonneur certification at the 2010 con- gress at the Millennium Carillon in Naperville, Ill.

Laura Ellis

Andrew Wetzel Laura Ellis is an associate professor in Andrew Wetzel studied carillon with Jeff the School of Music at the University of Davis for 3.5 years at the University of Cal- Florida, Gainesville, and teaches under- ifornia at Berkeley, having also studied graduate and graduate organ, harpsichord, piano, violin, and percussion, particularly and carillon. She earned a Bachelor of Arts marimba, vibraphone, and timpani. He in Music from Luther College in Decorah, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Iowa, as well as a Master of Music degree physics with a minor in music from Harvey in sacred music and a DMA in organ per- Mudd College in 2005. This past May, he formance from the University of Kansas. Brian Tang earned a PhD in astrophysics from the Uni- She studied carillon with Bert Gerken at the Brian Tang studied carillon with Jeff versity of California, Berkeley. This fall, University of Kansas and more recently Davis for three years at the University of Andrew will begin a postdoctoral research Karel Keldermans at the Rees Carillon in California at Berkeley. He earned a Bach- position in astrophysics at Yale University. Springfield, Ill. elor’s degree in Cognitive Science from Berkeley in 2010 and his other academic in- terests include operations research and al- gorithm design. Brian has taken piano and We offer our congratulations, applaud all candidates on their performance, and look for- cello lessons for seven years, and although ward to their future contributions to the GCNA and to the profession. he’s discontinued the lessons, he remains an Carillonneur membership in the GCNA not only benefits the individual with renewed avid piano enthusiast. His hobbies include confidence as a performer, but also serves as testament to the public of our ongoing com- good food and, unrelatedly, chinchillas. mitment to carillon musicianship and advancement of the carillon art.

4 from Congress, page 1

This highly eclectic series of perform- ances was followed by “Dancing With the Orientation of Congress, or Bells,” a guest recital performed by Frank Steijns, the carillonneur for Maastricht, Heerlen, and Weert, in the Netherlands. We’re Here! Now

What Do We Do? by Carol Anne Taylor

arly Monday morning at the 68th ECongress of the Guild of Carillon- neurs in North America, 15 attendees Carillonneur Jim Fackenthal. The perform- gathered for an orientation meeting in As the formal meetings began, musicians ances demonstrated the tonal and dynamic the Visitor Center of the Millennium gathered at the Naperville Council Cham- ranges of this spectacular Gillett & Johnston Carillon in Naperville, Ill. Attendees at bers, a short walk from the Millennium Car- instrument. During their visit to the Univer- the orientation included John Acker, illon, and were warmly greeted by Mayor sity of Chicago campus, congress attendees Dallas; Joey Brink, Yale University; A. George Pradel, who recounted his ap- also heard informative presentations: Clarence Cheng, Yale University; Je- pearance at the Millennium Carillon dedi- “Copyright Issues for Web: Published remy Domingo, Clemson University; cation ten years earlier, with his Works,” by attorney Philip Carey-Bergren, Peter Hayward, John Taylor & Com- crowd-stoking cry, “Ring those bells!” Af- and “The Renovation of the Rockefeller pany bell foundry; Ed Herrmann, terward, the congress was treated to a pres- Carillon,” by Wylie Crawford. The music Chicago; Lisa Jarrell, Clarksville, Tenn.; entation by Chuck Seidel, the founder of the continued with a performance by University Kate Kraft, Yale University; Paula Millennium Carillon project. With incisive Organist Thomas Weisflog on the Univer- Kubik, Volant, Pa.; Andrew Lai, Yale humor and trenchant wit, Seidel recounted sity’s 132-rank E. M. Skinner organ. Weis- University; Andrew Mills, John Taylor the history of this carillon from its concep- flog’s selections demonstrated the full range & Company bell foundry; Richard tual days to its concrete reality, with the as- of tone colors from this magnificent ro- Siegel, Crest Hill, Ill.; Brian Tang, Uni- sistance of key donors, publicists, and mantic instrument. Later, Laura Ellis, from versity of California, Berkeley; Andrew strategically placed adversaries. Patrick Ma- the University of Florida, gave a perform- Wetzel, University of California, Berke- coska followed with a discussion of the Ad ance on the Rockefeller Memorial Carillon. ley; and Julie Zhu, Yale University. Hoc Examination Committee, designed to Members of the Membership Enrich- address controversies and solidify future di- ment Committee serving as hosts for the rections of the GCNA examination process. orientation were Thomas Lee, Dianne After lunch and the first examination Heard, and Carol Anne Taylor. recital, the attendees were given a work- After a time of introductions, an shop-style presentation on reducing per- overview of the Congress provided in- formance tension using the Feldenkrais sight to the events of the week. From Method. Steve Duke, Professor of Music at meal time to business meetings to Northern Illinois University, led the caril- recitals, a brief explanation of what to lonneurs through a series of head-shaking expect brought the week into perspec- and eye-rolling exercises designed to pro- tive and enabled participants to catch a mote relaxation and freedom of movement. glimpse of the dynamics within the After the evening’s ice cream social, the Guild. Attendees were also presented congress enjoyed a recital by Lee Cobb, with gift certificates for music pur- performed as a tribute to the recently de- That evening, the congress moved to the chases from ACME and GCNA. parted and much missed Sally Slade beautiful Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glen- The 2010 Orientation Class partici- Warner, followed by an impressive per- coe, Ill., for a tour of the gardens and a din- pated throughout the Congress and ex- formance by Dutch carillonneur Boudewijn ner party. At the end of the evening, a hibited the desire to be active Zwart. moving collaborative recital was performed contributors to the goals and mission of The following morning (Tuesday), con- on the Theodore C. Butz Carillon, across the Guild. As we look to our next Con- gress attendees mounted buses to Chicago the pond from where the guests were as- gress, members are encouraged to meet to hear the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Me- sembled. The recital was organized as a as many of the first-timers or returnees morial Carillon (the second-heaviest musi- tribute to John Courter, beloved composer, and help them find their place of service cal instrument in the world) played by performer and teacher to the carillon com- in the Guild. University Carillonneur and congress host munity. Courter, from Berea, Ky., was Wylie Crawford, and Assistant University continues on page 6 5 from page 5 composi- tion for Exam Committee dying of cancer as the recital was conceived carillon Moves to New System and performed. Fourteen carillonneurs per- and multi- formed the moving program of Courter’s ple percus- for Selecting best compositions and arrangements, and a sion by recording of the recital was delivered to him BenRequired Pieces within days. It was played for him while he Wahlund, was unconscious, just before his passing on performed by Lisa Lonie June 21, 2010. with a video feed ased on recommendations by the Ad that allowed direct BHoc Examination committee, the observation of the Board has approved the revamping of the younger Bergren’s system used to select required pieces for the percussion athleti- annual Carillonneur exam. It was agreed to cism. This was the develop a master list that will contain (po- performance that tentially) several dozen pieces, grouped ac- anchored the con- cording to the three required categories: gress theme, “Car- technically difficult, arrangement/transcrip- illon with Other tion, expressive. The list will be published The next day, back in Naperville, atten- Instruments.” on the GCNA website, primarily to illus- dees heard a performance by the second ad- On Thursday, June 17, attendees heard trate to students and teachers the Guild’s ex- vancement candidate, a presentation by the final examination candidate’s recital, pectation of the musical level required for John Gouwens (Culver, Ind.) on new publi- followed by a panel discussion/demonstra- Carillonneur membership. The master list cations to be featured in a later recital, in- tion entitled “Build Practice Keyboards,” will be continuously reviewed, expanded, cluding For the Planet with the Smallest moderated by Mark Bergren, husband of and contracted as good pieces are added to Voice (Gabriel Lubell) and Légend (Ennis Sue, and father of Maggie and Philip. Other published catalogs or fall out of print. Fruhauf), joint second-place winners of the speakers included Pat Macoska, who From the master list, the Exam Commit- Composition Competition organized by the demonstrated his own experimentation with tee will annually designate several pieces GCNA’s Johan Franco Composition Fund simple, affordable mechanisms for home- per category from which the student will Committee. This was followed by a very in- made practice keyboards. Later, congress choose one per category. This system will teresting overview of the life and carillon host Wylie Crawford moderated a panel dis- allow teachers and students greater artistic compositions/arrangements of LaSalle cussion on carillons played with other in- flexibility and freedom to select pieces that Spier of Virginia. The presentation was de- struments. best fit their instrument, personal interest, livered by The final carillon performance of the and programming considerations. As is the Elizabeth congress was by the successful examinees practice now, the required piece choices Vitu, the from 2009, Melissa Weidner (Denver) and would change annually and be announced Franco-Ken- Brian Mathias (University of Kansas). This in the fall. Please see the article on Exam tuckian who was followed by a very useful presentation 2012 in this edition of Carillon News for the later per- by John Bordley on editing and publishing 2012 selections. formed an in- Web recordings of the carillon. After Dennis structive Curry’s introduction and invitation to the recital of 2011 congress in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Spier’s works attendees enjoyed the congress banquet as on the Millen- they were entertained by a roving magician Dave John- nium Caril- and an exciting Klezmer band. son, and lon. Congratu- Tim Sleep, The recitals that followed included illus- lations go to and officers trations of Vitu’s remarks about Spier, as this year’s Dave John- well as newly published works by Emma successful son (Presi- Lou Diemer, John Courter, Sylvius Leopold examination dent), Weiss, and the two Franco Competition candidates, Dennis winners introduced during John Gouwens’s Laura Ellis, Curry (Vice presentation. Later, another recital was per- Brian Tang, President), formed by the duo performers Anna Maria and Andrew Dianne Reverte and Koen Van Assche, featuring Wetzel, as Heard transcriptions of virtuoso keyboard works well as to (Recording by Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, and Ravel. new board Secretary), Later, Sue Bergren and her daughter, Mag- members Sue Tim Sleep (Corresponding Secretary), and gie Bergren, performed Bring in the Rain, a Bergren, Dave Hunsburger (Treasurer). 6 Meet the New Honorary Members by Rick Watson Chuck Seidel Honored wo recommendations for honorary at 2010 Congress Tmembership in the Guild were acted upon favorably by the Board of Directors during the 2010 Congress and ratified by the membership on unanimous voice votes.

Dick Gegner, new Honorary member Lee A. Carter, and Rick Watson New Honorary member Chuck Seidel

Mr. Lee A. Carter is a Cincinnati, Ohio, by Tim Sleep native with a long history of founding and leading many philanthropic organizations in ongtime Naperville, Ill., resident Chuck that community. One of his great contribu- LSeidel was recognized at the June 2010 tions for now many years has been as Pres- Congress by the board and membership Honorary member William H. Barger ident of the Emery Memorial, which owns with honorary membership. He was the and Rick Watson and supports the operation of the Mary M. driving force behind the initiative that built Emery Memorial Carillon in Mariemont, Mr. William H. Barger is an organ Moser Tower and brought the Millennium Ohio. Mr. Carter was instrumental in the Carillon to Naperville. builder, a partner in Barger & Nix Organs planning and underwriting of the 2008 ren- of McDonald, Tenn., and longtime Director Wylie Crawford, who worked with him ovation of the Emery Carillon, and his en- as consulting carillonneur, nominated of Music at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal thusiasm and work resulted in a major grant Church in Ooltewah, Tenn. Mr. Barger is Chuck for the honor, stating, “Chuck was from the Memorial to make a thorough ren- the spark that truly ignited enthusiasm in the the donor of the Linnie M. Barger Memo- ovation possible. The recommendation let- rial Carillon of the Church of St. Francis of city of Naperville and its inhabitants for the ter from Richard Gegner and Richard carillon—most of whom, like the general Assisi. This instrument began as a 19-bell Watson, the two currently active Mariemont chime, with a baton keyboard; through Mr. population, had only the vaguest idea of carillonneurs, also cited Mr. Carter’s what a carillon was or what it would do for Barger’s enthusiasm and generosity, it was tremendous ongoing support for the pro- soon enlarged to 20 bells, and then, just their community.” gram of the carillon. The carillonneurs took Although the carillon took nearly eight prior to the Sewanee Congress in 2007, it Mr. and Mrs. Carter to dinner at the was further expanded to 26 bells; and a bus years to fully complete and open to the pub- Mariemont Inn on August 8 and presented lic, Chuck stayed with the project and con- trip during that Congress allowed members Mr. Carter’s framed certificate, after which to hear and play it. A 27th bell is currently tinues today as the carillon’s biggest fan and the group adjourned to the tower for Mr. cheerleader. He works closely with the Park on order with makers of the instrument, Watson’s recital that evening. Meeks, Watson & Company of George- District to lead tours when the tower is open town, Ohio. Mr. Barger has become a fine to the public as well as for special tours and arranger and performer on the carillon; ear- events for visiting dignitaries. lier on, he studied with the late Laura Whip- Wylie sums it up appropriately: “He is, ple at Sewanee. Mr. Barger was Honorary membership was also be- in two words, ‘Mr. Carillon’ for this instru- recommended for honorary membership by stowed on Carillonneur member John ment and this community.” The honorary Richard Watson, who presented Mr. Barger Courter at the 2010 Congress. membership caught Chuck by surprise, and with his framed certificate at a dinner in A remembrance of John’s life and he was, for once, speechless. When he re- Chattanooga, Tenn., on July 7. immense contribution to the Guild gained his composure, he thanked the Guild and the carillon art appears on page 22 for the honor and said how moved he was of this issue. by the recognition. Naperville’s ability to host the 2010 con- gress with a world-class instrument was a direct result of Chuck’s efforts. We are all appreciative and grateful for his work and support.

7 Approximately 85 songs have been selected from Joint Congress, page 1 Carol Anne Taylor to be a part of the book. The first goal is to Wins 2010 Barnes represent the liturgical year and the second • Barnes Scholarship Auction—the biggest to include a section of general sacred songs. one to date Scholarship Award Basic translations will be available, along • Presentations, exhibits, camaraderie, food, with tempo markings so that carillonneurs and fun by Andrea McCrady may have enough information to perform in The congress hotel will be the Center- the style and mood of each song. The point Marriott, where blocks of rooms have arrangements will be carefully constructed been reserved at $75/night (normally $139). he winner of the 2010 Barnes Memo- so that they are useful for both church and Other accommodations will also be avail- rial Scholarship was announced at the T concert settings. The finished publication able. Especially for our foreign visitors, GCNA congress in Naperville, Ill., in June: will be available at the 2012 GCNA con- there will be opportunities to participate in Carol Anne Taylor, Director of Children’s gress at Clemson University. recital circuits—before and after the con- Choirs and Cathedral Carillonneur at the The Ronald Barnes Memorial Scholar- gress—to help defray travel expenses, and Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe ship Fund was established by the Guild in to provide opportunities to hear seldom- in Dallas. She holds a Bachelor of Church 1998 to provide the opportunity for North heard carillonneurs. Music with piano and organ concentrations Americans to pursue studies within North Other nearby diversions: from Louisiana College in Pineville, La., America of carillon performance, composi- •Cranbrook Gardens, Art Museum, and In- and she earned a Master of Music in organ tion, music history, or instrument design. stitute of Science performance at the University of North All North American residents are eligible to •Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival Texas in 1996, where she studied with Jesse apply. A total of $6,000 is available for dis- •Ford Motor Company factory tour Eschbach and Madame Marie-Madeleine tribution to one or more individuals in 2011. • Detroit Institute of Arts Duruflé-Chevalier. She also studied carillon An application and procedural information •Detroit Zoo with George Gregory, Organist and Caril- are available on the GCNA website, So plan to come to Motown next year lonneur at Central Christian Church in San www.gcna.org. Applications must be post- and find out “What’s Going On.” Antonio, Texas, and passed her GCNA ad- marked by Tuesday, March 1, 2011. For fur- vancement recital at the 2008 congress in ther information, contact the Barnes Berkeley, Calif. She was the recipient of a Scholarship Committee co-chairs, Andrea Barnes scholarship in 2008, studying caril- McCrady (239 Fireside Drive, Woodlawn, lon performance with William De Turk at Ontario K0A 3M0, Canada; e-mail: the Bok Tower. [email protected]) and Robin Austin (2801 Pennsylvania Avenue #A106, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130-1741; e-mail: [email protected]).

News from Music Kirk in the Hills Publications

by Laura Ellis

arillon News issues a reminder to all Ccomposers and arrangers that January Barnes Scholarship winner 1, 2011, is the deadline for submission of Carol Anne Taylor materials to be considered for publication and release during the 2011 Congress. Her current proposal is to research, Many fine new works have been published arrange, and publish a carillon book of the in the last few years; why not submit that Christ Church Cranbrook Spanish liturgical year. At the cathedral in piece you have been working on? Dallas, she performs musical selections re- Included in the October mailing was an flecting the songs chosen for Mass and has updated hard copy of the GCNA Catalog of found there are very few arrangements of Music Publications. This hard-copy catalog Spanish liturgical music currently available. has been released and mailed to the mem- She proposes a solution to this void that in- bership every other year. To manage ex- corporates musical styles represented by penditures, in future years the catalog will Hispanic cultures. This carillon book would be made available as PDF download from be a valuable tool for carillonneurs who the GCNA website. For anyone without In- share the same desire to expose their audi- ternet access, a hard-copy catalog can be re- quested at any time. ences/listeners to this rich Hispanic music. St. Hugo of the Hills 8 1510–2010 Celebration of the Five Hundredth

Anniversary of the Carillon by Rick Watson

t is an interesting historical fact that there were sets of bells used for Summer 2011 Carillon Recital Iplaying musical tunes (as distinct from swinging bells used for peal- ing) as early as the first half of the 15th century, particularly in the area Tours in North America of the Low Countries of Europe, Belgium and the Netherlands. These sets of bells were not played by human musicians but by clockwork by Janet Tebbel playing drums or barrels having pegs in them like gargantuan music boxes; by the turning of the drum, the pegs would, through linkage, ith the WCF and GCNA meeting concurrently in Michi- lift gravity hammers mounted beside the bells, and let them drop, thus Wgan from June 26 to July 1, 2011, there will be many striking the bells and playing notes. The clockwork, driven by overseas carillonneurs who would like to attend these events. weights, would operate each hour, or more frequently, turning the In an effort to help carillonneurs coordinate a recital tour drum and playing a tune. There is some evidence that musicians may that will help pay travel expenses, we have created a number have found ways of manually chiming tunes on such sets in a few th of “circlets” (small recital tours, all geographically close). We places in the later 15 century; however, the earliest definite record have included most or all carillons in any given area, even if of a keyboard being installed to allow a person to play such a set of they don’t currently have a recital series, or even a resident bells dates to 1510, in the Belgian town of Oudenaarde. carillonneur. There, a craftsman named Jan Van Spierre worked on the set of By the time you read this, there will be a circlet directory bells early in that century; he added to the range of bells, and made a posted on the public area of the GCNA and WCF websites. new playing drum mechanism. The drum was set to play the “Salve With active input from the persons responsible for the recitals Regina” every hour and “Peccatores” every half hour. It was he who and carillons, the information will be current, making it easier in 1510 installed a keyboard in the tower to allow manual playing of 1 for a wide variety of carillonneurs from all over the world to the bells. That started the development of the carillon as a musical in- create efficient recital tours. We will also note which dates are strument; by the middle of the following century, the carillon key- already filled. board had acquired pedals, making the playing of harmony more th This document may help a foreign carillonneur explore a practical; and in the next century (the 17 ), the brothers Francis and new area of North, and we hope that it will encourage musi- Pieter Hemony, working in Amsterdam, discovered how to accurately cians who have never played in North America to set up a tour. tune bells in sets over three octaves, much improving the musical Many recitalists are familiar with touring in North America, quality of the instrument. Their carillons have been exceeded in ac- and we encourage them to visit and play some new instru- curacy of tuning only with the use of electronic pitch-measuring ap- th ments in other areas. paratus in the 20 century. Many of their carillons exist still and may The circlets all take place within one week. Of course, cer- be heard and appreciated today. tain weeks will have more or fewer recitals as the various se- The art of tuning declined after the death of the Hemonys, and by th ries start and stop (this information will be included in the the 19 century, it was crudely practiced, if at all. The John Taylor & directory as soon as it is received). We encourage visiting car- Company foundry in Loughborough, England, began to redevelop illonneurs to set up a tour that includes as many carillons as the art of accurate tuning at the end of that century; and they were possible within a week, and to avoid coming into an area to closely followed in this by the foundry of Gillett & Johnston in Croy- play only the best-known or best-paying carillon. The weeks don, England, makers of the original two octaves of bells in the immediately before and after the congresses will be the most Emery Memorial Carillon. Later, the Whitechapel foundry in Eng- sought after, so we urge visiting carillonneurs take only one land and the continental bell founders relearned this art. One earlier of those convenient weeks. American foundry, that of Meneely & Company at Watervliet, N.Y., North American carillonneurs: this is a great opportunity to developed the art of tuning and made several carillons in the period communicate with the persons responsible for other instru- 1928–35. At present, there are just seven foundries in the world mak- ments in your area and to encourage them to have a featured ing tuned (carillon) bells: two in England, two in the Netherlands, recital or an expanded series. Even if there is no recital, over- one each in France and Norway, and one in the United States (Meeks, seas carillonneurs may be interested in visiting other towers Watson & Company, in Georgetown, Ohio). while they are in the area. This year, carillonneurs around the world are celebrating the five Visiting carillonneurs: please contact the individuals re- hundredth year of the carillon with special recitals and other events. sponsible for all the carillons in an area by e-mail. With sched- ule variations, it may not be clear exactly which carillons will 1 Deleu, F. (2010). History 1510-2010; 500 Years of Carillon in 2010. Retrieved in May have recitals during a certain week. In your e-mail, please 2010 from http://www.carillon500.eu mention which other carillons you are contacting.

9 Overtones

Regional Notes

Midwest Regional Carillonneurs’ Conference Springfield, Illinois Beverly Buchanan, Gloria Werblow, and Richard Strauss display their awards. by Beverly Buchanan and Sharon Hettinger

he 14th annual Midwest Regional Carillonneurs’ Conference was held in Springfield, TIll., on June 7 and 8, in conjunction with the International Carillon Festival at Spring- field with 35 Regional attendees from several states. The meeting place for the regional was the Conference Center of the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield. Breakfasts and sit-down lunches were served to the participants. The theme for this year’s regional was “No- table Composers for Carillon.” An in-depth study was done of several composers of carillon music. Ten composers were discussed, and the presenters were as follows: Sharon Hettinger, Presenter Julianne Vanden Wyngaard presenting Peter Paul Olejar and Arthur Meule- discusses a composition with composer mans; Laura Ellis, presenting Geoffrey Cook; Roy Hamlin Johnson during a presen- George Gregory, presenting Alice Gomaz; tation at the Midwest Regional Richard Strauss, presenting Johan Franco; Conference. Karel Keldermans, presenting Robert Byrnes and John Knox; Julianne Vanden Wyngaard, presenting Roy Hamlin Johnson; Beverly Buchanan, presenting Percival Price; and Sue Midwest Regional attendees Bergren, presenting Karel Keldermans. In addition, three of the above-mentioned An Outsider composers were present: Peter Olejar, Roy Hamlin Johnson, and Karel Keldermans. At the conclusion of each day’s session, Sue Bergren performed new ACME publica- Looks at Regional tions on the Rees Carillon at Washington Park. Publications for ACME and the GCNA Carillon were available for sale during the conference. Presentations were given using PowerPoint and Keynote, containing photos of the com- Conferences posers and other applicable material; some used handouts with samples of parts of the scores and written information, and there were also demonstrations using the piano key- by Dick Buchanan board brought by Julianne Vanden Wyngaard and simulated by Richard Strauss to imitate carillon bells. This keyboard was used frequently to demonstrate examples of composers’ works and was very effective. Recordings of some of the works were played, some in part, eing a person who does not play the some in entirety. Bcarillon, yet has attended a number of Participants were also welcomed at a reception on Sunday evening and invited to remain regional carillon conferences, I offer my in- for the festival banquet on Wednesday evening, providing the opportunity to meet and talk sight on such events. Some of these insights with Rees Carillon Society board members, members of the Carillon Belles, and Spring- may prick the conscience of the reader. If field Park District Board of Trustee members. Opportunities were also provided to enjoy that is the case, then the reader has some- serious discussions with other attendees in addition to lighter fellowship and camaraderie thing to think about. and to enjoy excellent carillon concerts. The conference host was Karel Keldermans, There are two important questions that Springfield Park District Carillonneur, assisted by Linda Keldermans. immediately come to mind and are, in fact, During the conference, lifetime achievement award plaques were presented to Gloria linked together. Why are there regional Werblow, Richard Strauss, and Beverly Buchanan for their contributions to the art of the conferences, and what are the benefits de- carillon. rived from them? An attendee will invest time and money, so what is to be gained? 10 Without question, there is much to be slot from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. can be used Kathleen Beck, who stepped in where the gained by attending regional conferences, for presentation of new music on the host “team” was absent. assuming they are well organized and offer carillon. The evening is devoted to a formal The third Monday brought another sur- the attendees a return on their investment— recital by a conference attendee, or two prise: an accompaniment to Danish caril- yes, even for the non-carillonneur. A well- shorter recitals can be given, which involves lonneur Peter Langberg’s fine program by a planned regional offers the attendee an more attendees. Both evenings conclude couple of workmen, their vehicles, and their opportunity to listen to and, more impor- with an informal get-together at the hotel, tower repair equipment. They finished their tantly, to be involved in thought-provoking with refreshments, again away from exter- 6:00 p.m. dinner break in time to return to and interesting presentations on topics such nal distractions. During these informal so- the job at 7:00 p.m., inside the chain-link as carillon installations, the care and main- cial periods that I have attended, I have fence that now surrounded the Lurie. Some tenance of the instrument, playing tech- heard a lot of carillon experiences shared well-placed phone calls from local carillon- niques, recital programming ideas, the among the attendees, which increases ones neurs Pat Macoska and Sipkje Pesnichak recital audience, recital series planning, the knowledge base on what works and what changed the Monday work schedule, al- history of composers, current composers, does not work in the profession. though the fence continued to appear fully music for the instrument, and the future of As an “outsider,” I have experienced the locked and formidable. The Lurie Tower is the instrument. above format at the Midwest Regional in the province of the School of Engineering, I strongly encourage regional conference Springfield, Illinois. As a non-carillonneur, which was unaware of our series. attendees to be involved in presenting the I did take home a lot of new knowledge, and topics mentioned, then allow for input and further, I was made to feel part of the fam- discussion from the others in attendance. ily at the conference. This promotes the free flow of information, In closing, I would encourage carillon- impressions, and ideas. Indeed, we can neurs in the United States and Canada to es- learn from each other. The real key to a suc- tablish regional conferences that are based cessful conference is for the attendees to on good planning and interesting program- take useful information home that will help ming and that foster a good balance of pro- them in the profession, whether this is fessional and social outcomes. Stop wishing knowledge of specific topics and/or ways of and dreaming what could be done; just get increasing their music repertoire and skill started. That is a challenge. Do you want to level. There is nothing more deadly than at- accept it? tending a national or regional meeting that is poorly organized and administratively in- effective and has programming of little or How Not to Run a no relevance to the carillonneur. Regionals characteristically have a much Summer Series Peter Langberg and equipment at base of smaller attendance than national meetings. tower and, left to right, Carrie Poon, This is an asset that promotes greater inter- by Jenny King Sipkje Pesnichak, and Jenny King. action between attendees and offers both newer and veteran carillonneurs a greater For guest Geert Oldenbeuving, there was nn Arbor, Mich.—The 2010 version of feeling of acceptance as they are brought no air conditioning on a warm summer our summer carillon series Seven into the group and made to feel “part of the A night. Operator error. By program number Mondays at Seven started with a locked family.” five, played beautifully by Ann-Kirstine tower —and a locked university building All the good aspects of a regional con- Christiansen, our earlier non-audience was where the key to the locked tower lay. ference can be achieved only by sound being replaced by a few picnickers who University of Denver carillonneur Carol meeting planning and execution on the part were delighted to stay for a tower tour. Lens and her sister Julia Jickling waited pa- of the host. There can be a number of plan- And why so few to enjoy seven nights of tiently while we contacted campus security ning options. I will present one that I have music? The publicity for the series stated it at the University of Michigan. It was the experienced. This option involves a two- would be on the main campus at Burton Monday after the Fourth of July weekend, and-a-half day time commitment. The start Tower, also the site of renovations, even and everything was shut down. of the conference is in the evening, with a though the programs clearly announced the The officers could get us into the Lurie host recital and an informal social gather- location as Lurie Tower. Another operator Tower and its restroom, but no one could ing with refreshments to follow at the host- error. access its elevator. That translated to a 201- ing hotel—not at some noisy restaurant or As one of the workmen shrugged that step climb, which some did a couple of bar with a lot of distractions. The two full noisy July evening as he climbed back on times to accommodate visitors who wanted days parrot each other as far as timing goes. his tractor, “Too many smart people here at to see the carillon playing chamber after the Presentations take place in a hotel confer- the university.” program. ence room from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with The following week, crossed wires a one-hour lunch break. The lunch is pre- would have led to visiting Dutch carillon- paid and catered at the hotel. This promotes neur Anne Kroeze going unhosted, save for attendee interaction and gets everyone back the graciousness of Ann Arbor carillonneur for the afternoon session on time. The time 11 Michigan Students Cast in Bronze Play Carillon from Celebrates 20 Years

Ground Level by Frank DellaPenna by Jenny King n 2011, Cast in Bronze will celebrate its I20th anniversary. During those 20 years, ast April, people walking across the Cast in Bronze has performed more than ten LSchool of Engineering complex on the thousand shows in an effort to share the University of Michigan’s North Campus beauty of the carillon with listeners while had an opportunity to play the 60-bell caril- demonstrating its versatility with other in- lon at the Lurie Tower. Carrie Poon at the computer in Lurie Tower struments. From the ground. With no music lessons. For the anniversary, Cast in Bronze is On a touch-screen computer monitor. “People who tried it were fascinated,” constructing another traveling carillon that “Listen Up” was the project conceived said Poon. “I think it gave many who never should be completed before the end of 2011. by carillonneurs Caroline Poon and Sipkje thought about the carillon a new apprecia- In addition, Frank DellaPenna has partnered Pesnichak, who teamed up with Justin tion of the instrument.” with Brother Entertainment, a Florida-based Crowell, School of Music Media Arts. show producer, to release a CD of classic Early in the fall semester of 2009, the rock anthems performed on carillon. The threesome wrote a proposal and submitted it Naperville Carillon CD will be available before the year’s end. to the Grant Opportunities for Collaborative In January, this music will be performed Spaces (GROCS) program at the Univer- Wins “Secret live, filmed, and made available on DVD. sity. GROCS defines itself as a program of Corner of For additional information, please visit the Digital Media Commons. Each year it www.castinbronze.com. funds “interdisciplinary, student-driven Chicagoland” projects to explore new technologies in ac- ademic activities.” Contest Marshmallows and Listen Up was one of only six projects selected; each received a $2,500 grant from Carillon in Florida by Sue Bergren the university. They showed their work in April 2010. by Lee Cobb The carillon team devised a way for an aperville’s Millennium Carillon and individual standing before a screen on the NMoser Tower were voted the People’s n late February, the Episcopal Church of ground near the tower to play one of two Choice winner of the “What Makes Your Ithe Ascension in Clearwater, Fla., hosted dozen bells that would respond to the touch Place Great? Your Secret Corner of their first ever Moonlight Carillon Recital screen. Chicagoland” contest, sponsored by the and Marshmallow Roast. Sue Bergren “Each group had to present two design Chicago Architecture Foundation and Met- played Ascension's 49-bell Eijbouts caril- reviews,” said Pesnichak. “For our second ropolitan Planning Council. Three other lo- lon. Hot beverages were also served at this design review at the end of March, we had cations were also selected by MPC judges. fourth concert on the Music at Ascension intended to have the entire project up and Each will be featured in a Chicago Archi- 2009–2010 concert series. The weather was running. Unfortunately, we spent the entire tecture Foundation tour this fall. brisk enough to give local Floridians an ex- design review working out all the bugs.” The Metropolitan Planning Council and cuse to bring out their winter hats and coats. By the time of the gallery opening in late Chicago Architecture Foundation asked res- March, the project was ready for its debut. idents of Chicagoland and Northwest Indi- “We designed a digital media installa- ana to nominate their favorite undiscovered tion to simulate engagement with the caril- public places. The slate of candidates in- lon,” said Poon. The touch screen was cluded two dozen public places around the networked to a MIDI-controlled hammer Chicago area. In total, 4,782 votes were cast system in conjunction with a live tower- online between August 9 and September 10. based carillonneur to create interactive mu- The Naperville Millennium Carillon and sical works. Moser Tower received 1,273 votes, 26% of While the other five GROCS winners, the total votes. plus various engineering student groups, displayed their projects and ideas on the grassy mall, anyone who wished to stop and Pictured roasting marshmallows before “play” the carillon was able to do so. the recital are, left to right, Phyllis Webb, Linda Pointer, Sue Bergren, Beth Kendall, and Lee Cobb. 12 nition on on July Carillon Music at Golden Anniversary 4, the City of Sewanee, Advent for Carillonneur Richmond De- partment of 2010 Parks and Recre- by Ed Nassor ation sponsored by John Bordley the Larry Robin- awrence Robinson descended the tower son Carillon Lon July 4, just as he has for many years, Concert Series at he carillon at Sewanee, Tenn., will cel- after performing his most recent recital of Byrd Park, ebrate Advent 2010 with the 51st annual T patriotic music on the bells of the Virginia which featured Festival of Lessons and Carols on Decem- War Memorial at William Byrd Park in performances by ber 4 and 5. To mark the occasion, John Richmond, Va. This year, however, he ex- Richmond Carillon Mr. Robinson, Bordley, Carillonneur at Sewanee, has com- ited the tower to step onstage at Dogwood Lon Mitchell, missioned the Dell, the amphitheatre adjacent to the caril- Edward Nassor, and Ryan Hebert. creation of three lon tower, where he was honored by city of- In addition to the eight to ten perform- hymn tune set- ficials with a plaque and an award for his 50 ances that Mr. Robinson gives on the caril- tings by Ennis years of service to the city of Richmond. lon each year, he remains active as a pianist Fruhauf. Ever the southern gentleman, Mr. Robinson and is preparing a recital to commemorate A Triptych of accepted his accolades and then reminded the bicentennials of Frédéric Chopin and Advent Hymns the audience that he was not contemplating Robert Schumann. He is the organist at the includes retirement, before ascending the 240-foot Leigh Street Baptist Church in Richmond’s “Rounded Vari- tower once again to continue Richmond’s Church Hill neighborhood, where he is busy ations on St. Independence Day tradition of performing planning the centennial next year of their Stephen,” Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with a live or- historic 1911 Kimball organ. “Three Verses chestra, two howitzer cannons, and the 53- on Herald, Sound (with Mirror),” and bell carillon. Albany Hosts “Canon, Air and Coda on Psalm 42.” Writ- Born in ten for Sewanee’s Paccard carillon, the three South Car- Students and Summer settings offer a wide variety of treatments, olina, harmonies, and structures as well as mod- Lawrence Performers erate technical challenges; they are prepared Robinson for a four-octave instrument in C with a B- graduated by Amy Heebner flat bourdon. . from the Uni- The new compositions will be featured in versity of n early March, Albany welcomed about carillon recitals preceding each of the three Michigan and services (5:00 p.m. Saturday, 5:00 and 8:00 I18 Yale students, led by Joey Brink and completed Jessica Hsieh, who were touring various p.m. Sunday). The 5:00 service on Sunday further studies is the most important of the three as far as carillons while the Yale carillon was under at Northwest- renovation. Everyone enjoyed playing at the carillon goes, because people stand out- Lawrence Robinson ern University least one piece on the Albany City Hall Car- side from 3:00 to 4:00 waiting to get into before moving the chapel! The carillon plays again as peo- illon. to Richmond in the 1950s to teach at Rich- In early September, we hosted about 20 ple depart. In addition to Triptych, John mond Professional Institute, now Virginia Bordley's pre-service recitals will include kids, ranging in age from kindergarten to Commonwealth University. middle school, from a downtown church additional Advent hymn tune settings by He trained as an assistant to then-caril- D’hollander, Whipple, and many others; camp. They all liked the tower and said it lonneur Wyatt Insko, to play before and reminded them of Harry Potter. All of the Bordley will also play his own arrangement after performances at Dogwood Dell. When of “Conditor alme siderum.” girls went all the way up to the playing Insko left Richmond for another position, cabin, while some of the boys stopped be- Starting on October 15, the full score for Robinson became the City Carillonneur of Triptych will be available from Sewanee’s fore the last set of stairs. They said it was Richmond in 1960. He studied briefly with too scary! I think the tower was more mem- website (www.sewanee.edu/carillon) as a Charles Chapman, carillonneur of Luray, complimentary PDF download. Geert orable than the carillon, but perhaps some Va., and began a long association with of them will remember the instrument. D’hollander’s Advent Triptych from 2007 James R. Lawson, carillonneur of Riverside can also be downloaded from the same Over the summer we celebrated the five Church in New York and later the Crystal hundredth anniversary of the carillon with URL. Printed copies (loose-leaf or bound) Cathedral in Garden Grove, Calif. are available (at cost plus postage) by con- our concert series. We enjoyed concerts by Mr. Robinson taught many carillon stu- Marcel Siebers, Hans Hielscher, Jon Lehrer, tacting John Bordley at dents during his long career as an organ and [email protected] or 735 University George Matthew Jr., Dan Kehoe, and piano professor at Virginia Commonwealth th Avenue, Sewanee, Tennessee 37383-1000. Charles Semowich. Our 14 Annual Au- University, before retiring as Professor tumn Carillon Concert closed our concert Emeritus. In addition to the official recog- season on September 19. 13 Two Special Foreign News Anniversaries at the Netherlands Jill Forrest Retires Carillon from University of Sydney by Park Ranger David Lassman

by June Catchpoole Acting University Carillonist, University of Sydney Clement Leone and Air Commodore Tom de Bok r. Jill Forrest, AM, University Caril- lonist of the University of Sydney, re- American composers at the ceremony. One D tired from her position on June 30, 2010. unique selection was Sjoerd Tamminga’s Jill was appointed University Carillonist arrangement of “Perfect Day” (1972) by in 1992, and prior to that she was an Hon- Lou Reed, which the Dutch frequently have orary Carillonist from 1978, serving 32 performed at their official events. In 1987, years in all. the National Park Service appointed Mr. Jill and her husband, engineer John Nassor as the Director-Carillonneur of the McKerral, PSA, made an extraordinary 50-bell Netherlands Carillon. In 1990, he team, keeping the carillon at the cutting joined the Washington National Cathedral’s edge of the art in every way. music department as Cathedral Carillon- The huge respect that Jill and John have neur, performing recitals and preludes be- generated with their work for the university fore services on the 53-bell Bessie J. Kibbey carillon was evident at three retirement cel- carillon. In 1991, he received a Fulbright ebrations: a superb “carillon family” lunch- 65th Anniversary brochure scholarship to the Netherlands in cam- eon at Veronica Lambert’s home in Bondi panology, where he earned a practical on June 26; an afternoon tea at the univer- diploma from the Netherlands Carillon sity the next day, following Jill’s splendid n May 5, 2010, Edward M. Nassor per- School of the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten final official Sunday recital, which sparkled Oformed a special carillon concert to Utrecht. In 2002, he earned his doctorate th around the quadrangle on one of the best of commemorate the 65 anniversary of the from the Benjamin T. Rome School of the sunny, mild winter days; and the offi- Liberation of the Dutch Netherlands by the Music at the Catholic University in Amer- cial university luncheon in the Great Hall United States from German occupation dur- ica. He has been a member of the GCNA for on June 29, the second-last day of Jill and ing World War II. The ceremony was hosted more than 30 years and has served as a juror John’s reign. by Chief Ranger Vincent L. Santucci of the on the Guild’s student advancement com- Jill and John were honored by the pres- George Washington Memorial Parkway at mittee. He has recorded for the Angel/EMI, ence of the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Michael the Netherland Carillon in Arlington, Va. Centaur, and Gothic labels. The Netherlands Carillon was celebrating Spence, with his wife and family, at her its own anniversary, because it was dedi- Sunday carillon recital, as well as at the of- cated 50 years ago, on May 5, 1960. ficial university luncheon by the presence Netherlands Deputy Ambassador Gerard of the Chancellor, Her Excellency Profes- van der Wulp, along with a large number of sor Marie Bashir; the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. the embassy staff, attended the ceremony Michael Spence; the retired Chancellor and concert. As part of the ceremony, Air Dame Leonie Kramer; and well over a hun- Commodore Tom de Bok of the Royal dred colleagues, friends, and family mem- Netherlands Air Force presented a bronze bers. statue to the American Clement Leone, who The guests at the university luncheon was shot down over the Netherlands while were welcomed with an organ recital by piloting a B-24. Mr. Leone was captured by Stacey Yang, university organ scholar and the German “home guard” in Holland, but honorary Carillonist. The University Or- the Dutch helped him to escape. He spent ganist, Amy Johansen, was attending the nearly five months with the “Dutch Under- GCNA Congress in the United States. Con- ground” before he successfully reached ductor Chris Bowen and members of the England. University of Sydney Graduates’ Choir Carillonneur Edward M. Nassor played sang a special selection of songs for Jill and a selection of ten pieces by Dutch and Ed Nassor John, both staunch supporters of Chris and the choir. 14 salaries of the teachers. In 2005, the Flem- A New Beginning at ish government issued a decree to protect the Royal Carillon for the future the organization and finances of the Mechelen carillon school as an insti- School in Mechelen, tute of special interest. In 2008, the city of Mechelen took over the former “Free Belgium: School,” i.e., one that was not organized by any government organization. The non- A Conversation with profit board still functions in promoting the interests of the school, but it transferred all Koen Cosaert authority to the city.

by John Bordley

Dr. Jill Forrest and husband Popular carillonneur and campanology John McKerral teacher Koen Cosaert became the new Di- rector of the Royal Carillon School in The Chancellor presented Jill and John Mechelen, Belgium, on September 1, 2010, with two inscribed golden ship’s bells and a upon the retirement of the longtime former painting of Jill at the carillon by Simon director, Jo Haazen. Cosaert is only the fifth Fieldhouse, a Sydney artist renowned for director in the school's almost 90-year his- his portraits of university academics for tory. posterity. A special carillon composition by Timothy Hurd, QSM, in honor of Jill’s car- osaert began the conversation by ex- illon career and his warm message of con- Cplaining the history of the school. Jef gratulations, were presented on his behalf, Denyn, city carillonneur of Mechelen since as he was unable to attend. 1887, had attempted to start the school in The classic Jo Haazen: giving a speech at After the luncheon, the Tuesday 1913, but World War I caused a delay until the reception in the City Hall after the final lunchtime carillon recital proceeded. Each 1922. Denyn and Staf Nees were the origi- concert of the summer carillon series. carillonist who was present played an item, nal faculty members, and in 1932, when most of which were compositions or Denyn was 70, Nees became the city caril- Jo Haazen is credited with enlarging and arrangements by Jill Forrest. The final item lonneur. Denyn died in 1941, and because bringing international attention to the was a special composition by Lyn Fuller, of World War II, Nees was not named di- school. He served at a time when directors Carillonist at the National Carillon Can- rector until 1945. Piet van den Broek, who of all schools of the arts went from being berra, commissioned in honor of Jill for the had been a faculty member at the school, mainly artists and “figures of recognition” occasion and titled “Exit Stage Left.” was chosen as Director and City Carillon- to being administrators and planners of the Few people know the depth of Jill and neur in 1965. In 1981, when van den Broek future. Cosaert is a recognized carillon John’s quiet, lifelong commitment to the reached the required retirement age of 65, artist and is the carillonneur at five towers, University since their teenage years. Jo Haazen was asked to be the City Caril- but he also brings the idea of teamwork to Everything carillon-related has been left lonneur and Director of the school. Al- the administration of the school. Haazen in top order, and of course Jill and John though Haazen had been a student at the served as director during the time of transi- would never leave anyone stranded—both school, he had not been on the faculty when tion; Cosaert continues forward with the are more than willing when asked to guide he was chosen. Koen Cosaert started as a new style. and advise post-retirement. Their knowl- student in Leuven and then became a stu- Cosaert mentioned two new initiatives at edge is vast. dent at the carillon school in 1983. In 1987, the school. The first is to introduce improv- The carillon family at Sydney is feeling Haazen asked Cosaert to teach campanol- isation and practical harmony as a core sub- bereft, bewildered, and somewhat sad, but ogy. Cosaert was both teacher and student ject. When Cosaert was a student, the final we rejoice that we have been privileged to until he graduated from the school in 1991. examination included performance of an know, learn, and share life with Jill and Haazen reached the age of 65 in December improvisation, although there was no for- John. We wish them great pleasure in re- 2009 and was replaced by his assistant mal course instruction in the subject. The tirement. Eddy Mariën as City Carillonneur. In the unpopular and unsatisfactory “piano- late summer of 2010, during an examina- beiaard” class will be replaced by the new tion procedure, Cosaert was selected to be improvisation class. The second new idea the new director of the school. is for new sorts of teaching, such as master Cosaert continued by explaining the gov- classes and short summer classes, on spe- ernance of the school. Since the school’s cialized topics. founding in 1922, an independent, non- When asked “how Koen Cosaert is going profit board has acted as its board of direc- to take care of Koen Cosaert,” the answer tors. It was not until the 1950s that the Flemish state government began paying the continues next page 15 from previous page In 1937, a set of 35 bells cast by Michiels and a budget has been established to restore was "through organization." Examples in- was installed at the War Memorial. In 2006, the interior as well. Further, Mons was the clude playing the weekly concerts at three the carillon was renovated, the bells were location of the first carillon school in Wal- of his towers all on the same day and play- retuned, and 14 new bells were added to the lonia, with Géo Clément as its director. Fi- ing the same program at each of the three; instrument, manufactured by Eijsbouts, for nally, one of its students, Elisabeth Duwelz, usually coming to Mechelen from his home a total of 49 bells. A new playing keyboard is retiring, and the ACW would like to in Kortrijk only two days a week (albeit was provided at the same time. The instru- honor her long and meritorious service to working during the train ride in each direc- ment transposes up three semitones. The the art of the carillon. For these reasons, the tion); and emphasizing the idea of team- carillon is played regularly by Giedrius annual meeting will be held in Mons on work among the staff members of the Kuprevicius and Julius Vilnonis. April 17 of this year. school. He also believes that living in Kor- The directors of the ACW are offering a trijk will allow “distance” from the school subsidy of €1,200 to finance an activity and time for himself. concerning bells, carillons, or tower clocks—an exposition, festival, or other campanological event. This subsidy is open to current members of the ACW upon ap- plication. The award will be decided by the directors. A new association, Tintinnabulum, has been created to manage the activities of the carillon of St. Michael’s Cathedral in Brus- sels. The ACW will send two representa- tives to take part, along with representatives from the Flemish Guild, a representative of the Cathedral, and four citizens of Brussels. Koen Cosaert had everyone in attendance The carillon at the Post Office in Candidates for the ACW representation are at the reception laughing as he described Klaipeda, Lithuania solicited. each of the former directors. On May 27, a study day will be held by At the post office in Klaipeda, con- the ACW in cooperation with the Institute structed in 1893, a carillon of 48 bells was of Wallonian Heritage. The subject will be The Carillons of placed in the tower in 1987. The bells were bells, carillons, and tower clocks. Admis- cast by the Schilling Bell Foundry in sion is free and is limited to 120 attendees. Lithuania Apolda, Germany. In 2007, Eisjbouts cast Serge Joris reports on a February 3 sym- 48 new bells, and a new playing keyboard posium titled “What Shall the Carillon by Gerald Martindale was installed. The instrument transposes up Play?” Held in Antwerp, it was presented by five semitones. Kestutis Kacinskas and the Mechelen carillon school and the Flem- uring my most recent European caril- Stanislovas Zilevicius play the carillon ish Music Council. Five presentations were Dlon concert tour in August 2010, it was every Sunday. given, including one by Jo Haazen, then di- my privilege to perform recitals on the car- rector of the Mechelen school. illons in Lithuania. There are only two, one Achim Bursch, a German member of the located at the War Memorial in Kaunas, the News from ACW, describes archives he found that in- other at the historic post office in Klaipeda. French-Speaking dicate the existence of a six-bell carillon with baton keyboard in St. Mary’s church Guilds in Lübeck, Germany. This instrument was destroyed during World War II, but a photo translated and summarized by taken in 1933 shows the keyboard and the Wylie Crawford automatic drum. This instrument dates back to 1509. So it might have been the actual Le Bulletin Campanaire of the first carillon. [Translator’s note: Maybe we Association Campanaire Wallonne (ACW) should have celebrated last year!] #62—Second Quarter 2010 Gossip: A Heritage Notebook dedicated to the campanological heritage of Wallonia has been edited and will soon become avail- édric Leclercq explains why the annual able. Eddy Mariën is the new carillonneur meeting of the ACW will be held in C for Mechelen, succeeding Jo Haazen, who Mons (Bergen) this year. First of all, the city is retiring. A committee, headed by the will be designated the European Cultural founder of the National Orchestra of Lille, Capital for the year 2015. Second, its belfry has been formed to create a 50-bell carillon has been listed on UNESCO’s World Her- War Memorial Carillon in Kaunas, in Paris. A new major-third carillon of 38 itage List—its exterior has been restored, Lithuania bells has been installed in Cologne. 16 Germany now has 42 concert carillons. days a week for five years – a time com- annual meeting. There are three categories, Mention is made of the GCNA’s interactive mitment that obviously necessitates the use each with subcategories of one, two, and map of carillons in North America. of a practice keyboard. This “do-it- three years’ experience, each for carillons Summer concert schedules are given for yourself” keyboard uses aluminum tone of more than 23 bells. There is also a single the following carillons: Tournai, Ath, Liège, bars and a concave, radiating pedal board, category with one, two, three, and four and Nivelles, plus the traveling carillon of which can be adjusted horizontally and ver- years’ experience for “carillons” of fewer Prague. tically to meet all three extant keyboard than 23 bells. The required pieces are cho- You can receive e-mail notices of standards. The first keyboard version was sen by the Guild president. changes to the ACW website robust and weighed about 1,700 lb. It is A summary of the November 2009 board (www.campano.be) by sending an e-mail to suitable for a school or conservatory. The of directors meeting reports that, among [email protected] with the subject second version weighs under 300 lb, and a other things, the Guild was asked to publish “infos flash”. third version is being designed that should an updated list of French carillonneurs and reduce the price of the keyboard to about that a compensation survey would also be Le Bulletin Campanaire of the ten thousand euros. The original full article welcome. President Vittot hopes to pass on Association Campanaire Wallonne (ACW) is in English and is available from either his presidency in the near future and asks #63 – Third Quarter 2010 Ann-Kirstine or Tim. candidates to announce themselves. Plans Gossip: The carillon of Namur has been are underway for the creation of a website. édric Leclercq reports on both the an- extended to 49 bells, and Thierry Bouillet Finally, it appears that a committee was Cnual general meeting of the ACW and succeeds Edmond De Vos as carillonneur. formed in October 2009 to promote the idea the study day held in Amay on May 27—a The “Queen Fabiola” traveling carillon in of a large concert carillon for Paris. day that, it is hoped, will lay the ground- Mons is no longer traveling, having failed A series entitled “Our Carillons” is con- work between the ACW and the Institute of a highway inspection. Oudenaarde cele- tinued from a previous newsletter (no. 69). Wallonian Heritage as they both work to brated the five hundredth anniversary of the It consists of listings and descriptions of preserve the historic bells of Wallonia. carillon on May 9 with great pomp and cir- carillons in a book copyrighted in 1889. The Jean-Claude Molle writes a tribute to cumstance, including performances on three carillons listed are Bergues, Bouchain, Elisabeth Duwelz, who died on June 13, traveling carillons. The carillon in Bruges Bourbourg, Cambrai, Cassel, Le Cateau, shortly after being lauded by the ACW at has been renovated, with several bells hav- and Comines. [Translator’s note: Several of their annual meeting in Mons, her home- ing been replaced by replicas. A new North these instruments had fewer than 23 bells, town. She was 76 years old. She became in- European keyboard was installed as well. A and only Bergues, Bourbourg and Cambrai terested in the carillon in 1962, then 65-page booklet on the campanological her- are in the current WCF list. The carillon of convinced her brother to build a practice itage of Wallonia has been published. It can Bergues, incidentally, was featured in a re- keyboard for her, and received her carillon be ordered from the ACW for a cost of cent wildly popular French movie, Bienv- diploma in 1966. In 1969, she and Paula €11.50 by writing to enue chez les ch’tis, which brought the Van de Wiele shared a joint appointment as [email protected]. carillon to the general public’s attention. co-carillonneurs of Mons. During her 40+ Summer concert schedules are given for There is talk of doing an English-speaking years as an active carillonneur, she and her the following carillons: Nivelles, Tournai, version.] brother worked for the restoration and Brussels, Ath, and Wavre, plus the traveling maintenance of numerous Wallonian caril- carillon of Prague. lons. From L’Art Campanaire, the bulletin of the A symposium marking the end of cele- French Guild of Carillonneurs (GCF) brations for the five hundredth year of the From L’Art Campanaire, the bulletin of the No. 72 – July 2010 carillon will be held in Asten, the Nether- French Guild of Carillonneurs (GCF) lands, on November 6 and 7. It will include No. 71 – April 2010 resident Jean Pierre Vittot summarizes presentations by Koen Cosaert, Luc Rom- Pthe successful completion of six years bouts, Frank Deleu, Heleen van der Weel, resident Jean Pierre Vittot writes of the of annual advancement recitals, represent- Serge Joris, Jacques Maassen, and Carl Van P150th anniversary of his region’s union ing 43 diplomas awarded, with eight more Eyndhoven. All presentations will be in with France. French President Nicolas anticipated in 2010. Candidates came from English and registration costs €50. For Sarkozy came to celebrate this event on all over France, as well as Belgium, with the more details, contact the National Carillon April 22, where he was serenaded with juries equally widely distributed. He also and Nature Museum in Asten: piano, voice, and carillon. On September notes that the date of the annual meeting [email protected]. 18, 1,800 musicians (including carillon- (usually the first week of July) marks the Ann-Kirstine Christiansen presents an ar- neurs) played an original composition as beginning of summer vacation for many ticle entitled “10,000 Hours on the Carillon part of the yearlong celebration of this candidates and therefore he suggests mov- Keyboard,” which tells of her experiences event. [Translator’s note: The outside cover ing the exams (and also the annual meeting) and opinions about practice keyboards as of this newsletter is now printed in full a week earlier in order to increase the num- well as the “adaptable” keyboard design of color, on glossy paper—which effectively ber of candidates. Tim Hurd. Ten thousand hours is the one-ups the Walloon guild’s full-color A listing is given of the summer concert amount of time claimed to be necessary for newsletter on matte paper.] schedules for Chambery, Dijon, Grezieu La someone to become a good carillonneur. The advancement exams are announced, continues page 18 This translates to six hours a day, seven to be held on July 2 in Bourbourg during the 17 from previous page nance and education in the mechanics of tower was built in the 1480s to replace an Varennes, Champagney, Hondschoote, playing as well as the arts of composition earlier Romanesque tower. In the 17th cen- Saint Quentin, and Tourcoing. and adaptation. Through a number of lec- tury, the tower was extended and equipped A series entitled “Our Carillons”contin- tures, these different aspects of the carillon with a Hemony carillon. The last restoration ues from the previous newsletter. The caril- art are more closely examined. dated back to the 1960s. During mainte- lons listed are Douai, Dunkerque, Vleuten, near Utrecht, has a brand-new nance on the carillon in the 1990s, it became Esquelbecq, Estaires, Gondecourt, Haze- carillon. Dick van Dijk and Arie Abbenes clear that the tower itself was getting into brouck, Hondschoote, Lille, Merville, consulted with the Utrecht council to make bad disrepair. This, however, offered an un- Roncq, Roubaix, Saint-Amand, Seclin, and this happen. Vleuten now boasts a four-oc- rivaled opportunity to fix the structural Troucoing. [Translator’s note: Once again, tave instrument cast by Petit & Fritsen. The problems of the carillon while repairing the several of these instruments had fewer than larger bells are remarkable because the cre- tower. The plans will attempt to recreate the 23 bells. Esquelbecq, Estaires, Gondecourt, ators opted to reduce the subsidence of the original intention of the 17th-century archi- Merville, and Roncq are not in the current sound. Intrigued by the shorter subsidence tect and ensure that the carillon remains a WCF list.] in the Zwijndrecht bells, they decided to in- playable instrument. For the technical or- Jean Christophe Michallek reports the vestigate and found that the bells contained ganization and traction of the instrument, passing of Madame Elisabeth Duwelz on a lower amount of tin, but a higher amount however, the original setup will be retained June 13. She had been carillonneur, along of zinc and lead. This composition was as much as possible and modernization will with Paula Van de Wiele, in Mons (Bergen), replicated in the larger bells at Vleuten to be eschewed. Belgium. They succeeded Géo Clément, create a crisper sound. For the smaller bells, Bauke Reitsma talks about the Sticht- who died in 1969. however, the results were less favorable, ing Martini Beiaard Groningen. The foun- and these were cast with the traditional dation started out as a committee to raise alloy. funds for a restoration of the Groningen car- The National Carillon Museum at Asten illon and celebrated its 25th anniversary last News from will host a symposium on November 6 and year. Two years ago, the SMBG came to Dutch-Speaking 7 about the five hundredth anniversary of prominence when they hosted the WCF the carillon (www.carillon500.eu). conference. More information on their Guilds many activities, concerts, and music edi- Klok & Klepel 111: June 2010 tions can be found at translated and summarized by www.martinicarillon.nl (in Dutch). Joost Dupon ore attention for the five hundredth Manniversary of the carillon in the June VBV Magazine, vol. 16, no. 1 (Jan.–Mar. Klok & Klepel 110: March 2010 issue. Henk Verhoef begins a series of arti- 2010) cles on the Monnickendam carillon entitled he March issue of Klok & Klepel de- De oudste beiaard ter wereld (The oldest arl Van Eyndhoven looks at the caril- votes much attention to the five hun- carillon in the world). Until the beginning Clon of Mol. Only 49 bells make up this T th dredth anniversary of the carillon. Heleen of the 16 century, Monnickendam was a instrument, but they weigh in at 16,504 kg van der Weel and S. Groenveld sketch the rival to Amsterdam as leading city in the re- (more than 36,000 lb), with a bourdon of historical context of the Netherlands at the gion. The article charts the history of the 3,240 kg (7,100 lb). The instrument is beginning of the 16th century. They look at bells in the city bell tower. The author finds housed in a 16th-century tower. References the economic, cultural, musical, and reli- evidence of a bell bought from Van Wou in to the bells of Mol date back to 1497. Until gious lay of the land at the time when the 1513 after a great fire in the city. He finds after World War II, the bells in the tower carillon is said to have emerged. L. A. A. indications that the precursor to the present numbered ten or fewer. In 1951, Marcel Romeyn looks at the roots of the carillon tower was of the lantern type, which indi- Michiels was commissioned to cast a caril- from a different angle. He investigates how cates that it probably contained bells for a lon for the tower of Mol and delivered an the invention of mechanical clocks and the chime. In 1573, all but the largest of these instrument of 49 bells modelled on Jef prevalence of clock towers influenced the bells were melted down to aid the war ef- Denyn’s vision of the ideal carillon. Eijs- emergence of the carillon. Bauke Reitsma fort, and only the largest of the Van Wou set bouts was commissioned in 1967 to restore reports on a symposium in Antwerp that was retained. Even though the earliest im- the carillon. They replaced some of the took place in February and took as its title mediate evidence for the acquisition of a bells, repositioned the others, and provided Hoe zal de beiaard spelen? (How shall the carillon dates to the 1590s, Verhoef finds se- a new keyboard. In 2009, the carillon un- carillon play?) Seventy-five attendees rious circumstantial indications that a caril- derwent another extensive renovation and is looked at the art and history of carillon lon was present here from at least the 1510s now back to peak performance quality. playing and reflected on the future of the in- onward. To be continued... Luc Rombauts reflects on five hundred strument. They concluded that in order for Further articles report on the interna- years of carillon in the Low Countries and the carillon to continue to be an instrument tional symposium on the five hundredth an- beyond in his article “De beiaard: ethnisch that is valued by the public, both the instru- niversary of the carillon in Mechelen in instrument of wereldinstrument?” (The car- ment and the player have to answer to high March of this year and the celebration in illon: ethnic instrument or world instru- standards. In order to achieve this, the car- Oudenaarde. ment?) After looking at the state of the illon requires high quality in both mainte- Work has started on the restoration of the carillon world today, he formulates some Lebuïnus Tower at Deventer. The Gothic possible objectives for the next five hundred 18 years. He believes that the frequency of repairs. In the early 1990s, this carillon un- playing needs to be increased and that the derwent extensive renovation. Notable city Book Review number of carillons needs to be increased carillonneurs of Nieuwpoort include Jo- dramatically the world over in order to hannes de Gruyters and Paul Bourgeois. by Margo Halsted bring some sense of the instrument to every- Another article reprints the lecture de- one on the planet. He deplores the fact that livered by Arie Abbenes at the carillon sym- Zingend Brons. 500 jaar beiaardmuziek three-quarters of existing carillons are ac- posium in Mechelen in March 2010 under in de Lage Landen en de Nieuwe Wereld. counted for by Belgium, the Netherlands, the title “Beiaardrestauratie in de 21ste (Singing Bronze: 500 Years of Carillon and the United States alone. If the impact of eeuw—illusive of realiteit?” (Carillon Music in the Low Lands and the New the carillon as an instrument is to be aug- restoration in the 21st century—illusion or World) by Luc Rombouts. Leuven: Davids- mented, it needs to exceed its status as an reality?). In it, he gives an overview of the fonds, 2010. 463 pages, soft cover. Price: ethnic instrument from the Low Countries history of the carillon to determine which €39.95. and burst forth onto the international stage. kinds of instruments are worthy of restora- This will also improve the diversity of its tion. He follows this up with a systematic inging Bronze has arrived just in time to repertoire as more diverse cultural back- treatment of what can be done for each of Shelp celebrate the five hundredth an- grounds come into contact with the instru- the components of the instruments and con- niversary of the carillon art. A receipt for a ment. More carillons would mean more cludes that carillon restoration needs to take carillon keyboard, dated 1510, has been exposure to more listeners and more oppor- the history of the instrument into account, found in the City Archives of Oudenaarde, tunities for more players. that differences between instruments are an Belgium. Undoubtedly, there were other Two carillonneurs are newly installed: enrichment of the carillon landscape, and keyboards in use before 1510; we just can- Koen Cosaert replaces Frank Deleu in Ko- that carillonneurs would do well to take the not document them at this time. rtrijk, and Eddy Mariën is the successor of nature of their instrument into account when Singing Bronze Jo Haazen in Mechelen. choosing their repertoire. He fears that fur- is a remarkable ther standardization of the carillons through book. It’s not just VBV Magazine, vol. 16, no. 2 (Apr.–Jun. restoration will impoverish the world of the about carillon 2010) carillon. music. Think about all you Steve Schreiber recently performed at the ls Debevere takes a close look at the might want to Curaçao Museum, Willemstad, Curaçao, carillon of Nieuwpoort. This carillon know about bells E Netherlands Antilles, and submitted the comprises 67 bells for a total weight of and you will find photos below. 8,976 kg (ca. 19,800 lb), with the bourdon it here: bell his- weighing in at 1,407 kg (3,100 lb). Records tory, bell music, include references to bells and chimes in the the origins of the city hall dating back to 1415. From 1578 words for bell, bell instruments, bell onward, these chimes began to be aug- founders and tuning, bells and war, bells mented to a playable instrument. From 1608 and religion, bells and politics, bells and onward, we find references to carillonneurs philosophy, bells and carillons of the past being paid to play the bells. These bells con- and now, bell players and composers of the tinued to be played until 1735, when a new past and now, carillon donors, bells in liter- instrument was commissioned, with Pieter ature and bells in graphic art, memorial car- Van den Gheyn providing new bells and a illons, etc. I’ve taught campanology new keyboard. It was housed not in the city courses, studied much of the available lit- hall, but in the “new” belfry (which had erature, and written about bells myself, but been under construction for about a cen- I learned a great deal from this book. tury). This carillon underwent many repairs Author Luc Rombouts is carillonist of and replacements and was seriously dam- the Belgian city of Tienen and of the aged at the end of the 18th century during Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU). His the French siege. After World War I, not many articles about bells, carillons, and car- much was left of the carillon and soon plans illon music are listed in the bibliography. were underway to build a third incarnation Rombouts certainly is qualified to write a of Nieuwpoort’s instrument. Before they bell history book, and his writing style is di- could come to fruition, however, the Sec- rect, concise, interesting, and engaging. ond World War broke out, and planning was The bibliography is a listing covering interrupted until the 1950s. By 1952, the six and a half pages of two columns each, city council had given the commission to written in fairly small type. It is a treasure Marcel Michiels. By September of that trove of resources. There are notes for each year, the carillon was installed, but it was chapter, letting the reader know where the not until 1954 that the carillon was information came from. Also, there are 230 equipped with an automatic chime and continues next page taken into commission after the first set of 19 from previous page Dutch. He is described as a carillon virtu- Van Aerschodt) was the first carillon in oso, a well-known figure and an American North America. (Too bad, we have missed wonderful photos, drawings, and maps in carillon troubadour. He met and married Jo- the 100- and 125-year anniversaries. Let’s the book. I’ve seen some of the photos be- hanna Canivez while in Leuven. be ready for 2033.) fore in other publications, but there are Ever since I assisted Nora Johnston’s After reading earlier in the book about many additional photos taken by the author, niece Jill Johnston in publishing Nora’s the terrible destruction of European bells as well as other appropriate photos that memoir (Carillonneur) in 2002, I’ve during past wars, and seeing heartrending Rombouts has found. All the photos are wanted to know what instrument Nora took photos of broken bells and grotesque shapes clear, and most are in color. with her when she played for and spoke to of bell towers and molten metal from bells Davidsfonds, the publisher, is a Catholic various groups. In 1938 she traveled with after bombings and the resulting fires, I re- organization in Flanders, founded in Leu- her “child” to the United States, giving her alize once again how fortunate our bells and ven in 1875, that has as its purpose the pro- talk “The Romance of Bells,” playing for society have been to have escaped the phys- motion of Flemish culture in the areas of special documentary radio broadcasts, per- ical consequences of war. history, literature, and art. forming with a symphony orchestra, and The book is divided into three sections: even visiting Eleanor Roosevelt at the “Prehistory” (before 1510); “Bronze Time White House. in the Low Countries” (1510–1789) and “An Old Instrument in a New World” (1789–present). Any one of the sections could be a complete book. Why start a section with the year 1789? That was the year of the storming of the Paris Bastille. In 1790, France took over the southern Netherlands. Over time, there fol- lowed a systematic French plunder of the bells of the southern Netherlands, and it is Luc Rombouts estimated that about a hundred thousand Rombouts writes about our instruments bells were taken and most of them melted on University campuses with marvelous lis- down. It’s most interesting and sad to read tening spaces, and the fact that, after each in this section about the long history of wars of the two great wars, in some parts of the and takeovers and some religious and polit- world there arose a tradition of memorial ical abuses in relation to bells. carillons that helped increase the numbers In the third section, I also came upon Nora Johnston playing her carillon. of instruments. new-to-me information about two of my fa- Carillon players and carillon lovers will vorite historic carillon personages: Arthur I was delighted to find a photo in the adore this book. Almost every important as- Bigelow and Nora Johnston. Bigelow, after book of Nora Johnston playing her specially pect of bell instrument and bell music his- two years of studying engineering in the designed traveling carillon. The picture tory is included, starting at a time more than United States, wrote to Jef Denyn applying shows an instrument with a regular baton eight centuries ago. The information in for entrance the Mechelen Carillon School. keyboard and tubular chimes for sound. Singing Bronze should be available to every He said, “If I am privileged to study under (The original photo also shows a large white campanologist, carillonist, and music li- you, I will devote my whole time to the animal on one side. I found the same photo brary in the world. Unfortunately, this ex- bells, and try to carry (on) in America that on the web [Google Photos], and removed ceptional book currently has been published which you have so well done in Europe.” the animal because I wanted my readers to only in Dutch. We all must hope that the Bigelow was at the school for two years. focus on the instrument.) Author Luc Rom- Belgian publisher Davidsfonds will decide According to Rombouts’ text, Denyn de- bouts has told me that Nora donated her in- to share it with many others in the world by scribed Bigelow in a letter as “active, ener- strument to the Mechelen Carillon School creating an English translation. Those of us getic and of a good character,” but said also and that it is stored in a Mechelen ware- who play bells, love them, and work with that “he has too much self confidence and house. them need to have the information in this … he wants to walk too fast.” (Translation Near the end of the book, Rombouts book at hand. from the French by M.H.). moves on to the carillon and chime art in Margo Halsted studied at the French and Bel- After receiving his diploma in 1933, North America. He correctly identifies all gian Carillon Schools and has a diploma from Bigelow went to Leuven to study German the historic people and their contributions. It the Netherlands Carillon School. She was and to play the carillons at St. Pieter’s is particularly interesting to me to discover awarded the certificate “Dutch as a Foreign Language, Level A” from the Institute for Living Church (where he was bestowed the title of what a knowledgeable European carillonist Languages in Leuven, Belgium. She has also City Carillonist in 1934) and the KU (where thinks of the North American carillon cul- studied Dutch at the Universities of Michigan there is an American engineers’ war memo- ture. He “gets it”; alas, even down to our and California (Los Angeles). She admits to rial instrument). Bigelow must have fit into dreadful past and present use of electronic using her Dutch-English dictionary extensively the life of Leuven extremely well, for it was instruments. He rightly states that the in- to review this book. Her favorite Dutch/Flemish reported that he mastered the dialect of Leu- strument at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church words in the book are the compound ones such ven, as well as being able to speak excellent in Philadelphia (1883, bells cast by Séverin as hoogwaardigheidbekleders. 20 Notices The 2012 Examination at a Glance Jon Lehrer Takes nformation for the 2012 GCNA Exami- Please check GCNA website regularly Ination to obtain Carillonneur member- for Exam 2012 performance notes or con- Two Big Wins for ship will be available online tact Examination Chair Lisa Lonie (www.gcna.org) after January 1, 2011. ([email protected]) . North America The required pieces and pricing will be The application and fee ($40, nonre- available from the publishers after January fundable) is to be postmarked by Nov. 2, merican carillonneur Jon Lehrer swept 1, 2011. To order, please contact Laura Ellis 2011, and mailed to Lisa Lonie, 1391 Wal- Athe international carillon competition ([email protected]) at the GCNA and Sue ton Road, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania 19422. scene with an undefeated record for the year Bergren ([email protected]) All applicants must be Associate Members 2010. On August 28, he was awarded first at ACME. Candidates are to chose one of the GCNA in good standing, with dues prize in the International Carillon Compe- piece from each required category below paid by November 2. New membership ap- tition of the NKV (Dutch Carillon Guild) in and indicate their choices on their applica- plications must be postmarked by Novem- Bolsward, the Netherlands, and on Septem- tion. ber 2, 2011, and sent to the GCNA ber 12, he was awarded second prize in the corresponding secretary. Membership ap- First International Carillon Competition of Technically Difficult: plications are available on the website. Old Music “Alexius Jullien” in Lier, Bel- Reflexies—Maassens (GCNA) gium. The remaining two finalists in that Pealing Fire—Larson (GCNA) 2012 Examination Dates and Deadlines: competition tied for third, and no first prize Carillon at Twilight—Gouwens was awarded. (GCNA) Jan. 1, 2011: Examination information available via download (www.gcna.org). Expressive: “Chanson Triste” from Suite IV Nov. 2, 2011: Application and $40 fee (movement 2)—Courter (GCNA) postmarked on or before this date sent to Elegy—Johnson (GCNA) the exam chair. No exceptions. Image 2—Allard (GCNA) Jan. 17, 2012: Eight CD recordings and eight copies of all scores on watermark Arrangement/Transcription: template postmarked on or before this “Ewie with the Crookit Horn” date sent to the chair. No exceptions. from Scottish Folksong The contest in Bolsward was part of a Preludes—Barnes (GCNA) Approx. Jan. 25—March 29, 2012: CD yearly series of contests held by the NKV. “Tempo di Borea”— screening process by jurors. (Lehrer previously won second prize in the Bach/Gerken (ACME) 2008 competition in Middelburg, the “Come Back to Sorrento” from Approx. Apr. 2, 2012: Results of CD Netherlands). It celebrated the 55th anniver- Collection I—Westcott (GCNA) screening process sent to candidates. sary of the city’s instrument, the 555th an- Approx. May 2, 2012: Eight copies of all niversary of the city itself, and five hundred every ten years. Contestants were required pieces and program for Congress recital years of the carillon. Though the Bolsward to produce their own arrangements of the sent to chair, postmarked on or before this carillon is smaller than the usual competi- required piece, a set of dances for harpsi- date if candidate successfully passes at the tion instrument—44 bells transposing up chord by Jean Baptiste Loeillet, and prepare CD level. one octave—it is a particularly beautiful a total of 20–30 minutes of music from the specimen and historically significant as the Dutch baroque keyboard repertoire. The June 2012 : Congress at Clemson Univer- first carillon ever cast by Royal Eijsbouts. jury was as diverse as it was prestigious, in- sity. Special mention was given at the awards cluding leaders in the field of baroque per- ceremony for the success of international formance (most notably, Gustav Leonhardt Performance Note on 2011 Exam performers in the competition—of four and Wieland Kuijken) as well as top-notch by Lisa Lonie winners, three were from outside the Euro- carillonneurs, organists, and performance pean continent. The final roster was as fol- teachers. The preliminary round of compe- Periodically, exam updates for candi- lows: Category A: first prize, Jonathan tition was held on September 11, and three dates and teachers, including clarifications Lehrer (USA); second prize, Toru Takao players advanced to the finals on Septem- and notices, are necessary. Please refer to (Japan). Category B: first prize, Dick ber 12. Lehrer received second prize, and Performance Notes on the GCNA webpage Klomp (Netherlands); second prize, third prize was shared by Roy Kroezen for the latest information. This document Jungeun Kim (South Korea). (Netherlands) and Toru Takao (Japan). will be updated as needed. Please continue The Alexius Jullien competition was held Both contests provided cash prizes and to check your e-mail, the website, and/or in honor of the five hundredth anniversary concert offers for the upcoming summer contact me directly to make sure the latest of the carillon and is expected to be held season. information is obtained. 21 In Memoriam

John Courter by Dennis Curry

ohn Courter, organist and carillonneur at Berea College and re- Jtired professor of music, died Monday, June 21. He was 68. John joined the Berea Col- ately before the tribute recital, and a brilliant rainbow emerged, lege faculty in touching down above the carillon tower. John’s spirit was with us. 1971 as a A recording of the recitals was later played for him as he slipped teacher and or- into his final coma. ganist. After re- John Courter was one of the leading contemporary composers for tiring from the carillon. He won several international prizes with his original teaching in compositions for the instrument, and his works have been published 2007, he contin- in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States as well as per- ued to serve as formed on carillons throughout the world. He wrote works com- College Organ- missioned by the Palace of Government in Barcelona; the cities of ist and Carillon- Utrecht, Kampen, and Almelo (the Netherlands); the Arts Council neur. In of Ireland; the University of Michigan and Grand Valley State Uni- addition, he was versity; and many other places. His In Memoriam—Sept. 11, 2001, the Organist at Union Church and a longtime contributor to the a piece written to honor victims of that event, has been offered free music of St. Clare Catholic Church, both in Berea, Ky. online and played around the world. One of his compositions is also A native of Lansing, Mich., John earned a bachelor’s degree in included in the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians and choral music education from Michigan State University in 1962 Grove online. and a Master of Music degree in organ in 1966 from the University In 2005, John established the Summer Carillon Concert Series of Michigan. He also studied at the North German Organ Academy at Berea College, which continues to bring international perform- and held diplomas from the Netherlands Carillon School. ers of the instrument to Berea’s campus. The opening of this year’s John Courter contributed to the musical life of the campus and series was a moving experience, as John departed this earthly life larger community in numerous ways during his 39 years at Berea. on the morning of the first recital. The tower windows were draped In the music department he taught organ, piano, chime, and caril- in black bunting, and at the request of the university to toll the bells lon performance, church music, and music theory and was a for- in an opening moment of remembrance, I felt it was appropriate to mer director of the Harmonia Society. A well-known organist in the start my recital with In Memoriam and close with my commis- region, he was Dean of the Lexington Chapter of the American sioned piece, O Lux Beatissima. Guild of Organists. In his will, John made arrangements for the ongoing mainte- John was involved in the renovation of the Holtkamp pipe organ nance of Berea’s carillon, which will be renamed and dedicated as in Gray Auditorium at Berea and the recent restoration of the ten- the John Courter Carillon during the College’s Homecoming on bell chime in Phelps Stokes Chapel. He was the driving force be- November 13, 2010. Details of the celebration weekend will be hind Berea’s 56-bell carillon, the largest in the state of Kentucky, made available as they develop. and served as the College Carillonneur since 2000, when the in- strument was installed. In 1995, John received Berea College’s esteemed Seabury Award for Excellence in Teaching, and in 2006, he received the Elizabeth Perry Miles Award for Community Service for his numerous con- tributions to the campus and community as a musician and for vol- unteer service with Madison County’s public radio station. In 1993, he was awarded the prestigious Berkeley Medal for Dis- tinguished Service to the Carillon as a performer and composer. John was also a Fellow of the American Guild of Organists, the highest certificate of achievement, and a member of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America. At this year’s GCNA congress, the Board of Directors and membership of that organization bestowed on him Honorary Member. Twenty carillonneurs participated in a moving tribute recital plus other recitals of John’s music at this year’s congress in June. The rain-laden clouds departed immedi- 22 "At age 93, Wendell played the carillon for members of the Guild of Carillonneurs Wendell Westcott in North America, who were specially bused to MSU from an Ann Arbor conven- 1911-2010 tion. There, surrounded by the most accom- plished carillonneurs in the country, Statement by the Michigan State Wendell gave an impeccable virtuoso per- University College of Music formance. Wendell continued play the car- illon at Beaumont Tower until the age of 96, he MSU College of Music was sad- when vertigo made it impossible for him to Tdened to learn of the death on April ascend the stairs. He credited that daily as- 30, 2010, of Wendell J. Westcott, professor cent, however, with his extraordinary emeritus of piano and the University Caril- health, vigor, and longevity. After Wendell lonneur from 1941 to 1987. retired from carillon playing, he continued "Many thousands of MSU students and to play the piano at his home for four hours faculty over several generations have en- a day until his hearing failed at the age of 97. He passed away at the age of 99. Wen- joyed the traditions and music of the Beau- Wendell and Iris Westcott mont Tower carillon,” said Jim Forger, dean dell was preceded in death by his daughter, of the College of Music. “They probably Beaumont Tower. Wendell accepted the Alicia, in 1994. He is survived by his wife did not know it was Wendell Westcott who offer and soon established a reputation in of 62 years, Iris.” brought the carillon alive for them. We will the East Lansing community for his won- miss this talented and devoted teacher and derful playing. In 1956, Wendell attended performer whose long service to MSU the Royal Carillon School in Mechelen, Remembering touched many lives.” Belgium, where he pursued an advanced de- “Wendell was highly respected and jus- gree in the carillon. There he earned highest Frank Law tifiably famous for his romantic playing honors for playing and composition, an un- style and his arrangements of popular and precedented achievement. He then returned by Todd Fair folk tunes for the carillon,” said current to MSU, where he continued to teach piano University Carillonneur Ray McLellan. “I and carillon until his retirement. so appreciated his support of our carillon "Though Wendell is known primarily for recitals by his faithful attendance.” his carillon playing, he was particularly McLellan played a tribute recital on the proud of his creation of the Spartan Bell Beaumont Tower carillon on Wednesday, Ringers in the mid-1950s. The Spartan Bell July 14, at 6:00 p.m. as part of the Muelder Ringers was a handbell group that Wendell Summer Carillon Series. forged into a human carillon, able to per- The family provided the following obit- form musical pieces with great speed and uary: complexity. The routine they developed was “Wendell Westcott, renowned carillon- tremendously popular, and the group subse- neur at MSU's Beaumont Tower and quently toured all over the United States, beloved community figure, passed away at even performing for Vice President Richard home on April 30, 2010, surrounded by Nixon at a White House tree-lighting cere- family. Wendell was born on January 20, mony. In 1970, Wendell published Bells and 1911, in Jackson, Mich., where he soon es- Their Music, a book that is still considered tablished himself as a child prodigy at the the authoritative work on the subject. He he year 2010 marks the 25th year since piano. By age 14, he was the assistant or- also wrote articles on bells and bell ringing TFrank Péchin Law (1918–85) passed ganist at the Methodist Church in Jackson. for Encyclopædia Britannica. In recent away. Because of his remarkable abilities, he was decades, Wendell delighted MSU students, Frank held an M.M. from Temple Uni- admitted to the Michigan State University East Lansing residents, and visitors to the versity and studied carillon with Kamiel School of Music on full scholarship, where MSU campus with his free carillon concerts Levévere and Percival Price. He was caril- he studied piano and eventually received his at Beaumont Tower. It became an MSU tra- lonneur of Washington Memorial Chapel, MA. dition for students and families to lounge on Valley Forge, Pa., from 1926 until his death. "With the advent of World War II, Wen- the campus lawns and listen to his music. He gave many guest recitals in the United dell enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sta- Wendell also delighted fans by inviting States and Europe. tioned in Cairo, Egypt, where he served as them into Beaumont Tower, where they Significant is the number of his private accompanist to an Army chaplain. Upon re- climbed the winding stairs, signed the guest students who have remained active in the turning from the war, he served as a profes- book, and watched him play the carillon. carillon art. The list includes Robin Austin, sor in the MSU music department, where he Wendell loved these interactions with the Frank DellaPenna, Janet Dundore (de- taught piano. In the early 1950s, the head of public, and he was instrumental in the ceased), Doug Gefvert, Todd Fair, Lisa the department asked Wendell if he would restoration and rededication of Beaumont Lonie, Edward Nassor, and Frances be interested in playing the carillon in Tower and its carillon in 1996. Rodgers (deceased). 23 Rockefeller Memorial Chapel The University of Chicago 5850 South Woodlawn Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60637