Those curious about how the Shafer Tower carillon works or how the bells in the tower look will have the opportunity do both Saturday at 11 a.m.
John Gouwens, a visiting lecturer, will be performing on the 48-bell carillon at the bell tower Saturday. The performance is offered in conjunction with Family Weekend activities.
Gouwens said he doubts many people on campus know there is an instrument inside of the tower.
"There are 48 bells up there, and I wonder how many people on campus have any idea what a beautiful musical instrument the university has overlooking the campus," he said.
Gouwens will be playing "Four Flourishes" by Geert D'hollander and "Legende" by Ennis Fruhauf.
The carillon gets played a few times a year besides the bells that ring daily.
"Generally, there are two to three carillon recitals per year. Of course, the bells are ringing daily as part of the Westminster chimes," said Kirby Koriath, professor of organ and church music. "More performances could easily be arranged, but it's a matter of someone willing to fund the performance."
After the performance, Gouwens will be giving a close-up tour of the instrument. Visitors of the tower are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes because if they want to see the instrument, they will have to climb about 100 stair steps.
Koriath said it was Gouwens' idea to give tours.
"After the program, John always likes to give a little tour of the playing cabin," he said. "If people can climb the 101 stairs, they can participate in the tour."
About the Ball State carillon
- Located inside Shafer Tower
- 48 bells
- Ranging in weight from 26 to 5,243 pounds
- Clappers strike the bells and are connected through wires and levers to the keys in a room below
- Clapper weigh between 1 and 200 pounds
- Keys arranged like piano keyboard but are larger and farther apart
- Half of instrument is connected to foot pedals
- John Gouwens regularly performs concerts in bell tower
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