The Shafer Tower bells struck the hearts of students for the last time this summer on Tuesday.
Standing eight stories above ground, Carillonneur John Gouwens, a frequent at Ball State, started playing the 48-key bell set at 6 p.m. and continued for about an hour.
"I thought he sounded pretty good," said sophomore Nichole Adcock. "I heard some people last year practicing on it, and it wasn't so pleasant."
As the last performance of the four-concert summer series, Gouwens played a musical history of carillon compositions. Besides classical pieces, he played more common songs, including "Yesterday"< I> < I>by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
A group of faculty and administrators emeriti attended the concert. Jack McFarland, former director of purchasing and central stores, came with his wife, Judy.
"I think it's awesome," he said. "We've heard them at various times, but not played like this."
"[It's a] delightful way to spend a warm summer evening," Judy said.
Gouwens said he especially enjoyed his final piece, "Bravo Bells," which was published this year by composer Steven Paulus.
"It has a driving energy that you can't help but stop and listen to," Gouwens said.
Last year, Gouwens came once a month to campus to teach and give a recital. The music department is hoping to someday have an instructional carillon class, Gouwens said, with him as the teacher.
Gouwens will come about once a month this year to perform on the bells. For more information about John Gouwens' next performance and carillon lessons, e-mail Dr. Kirby Koriath at klkoriath@bsu.edu.
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