Quick Facts


What is a carillon?

A carillon is a musical instrument composed of at least 23 bells, tuned in chromatic sequence. It is played from a console that resembles a simple organ, with batons (for the hands) and pedals (for the feet). These keys move the clappers (metal ball) that strike and sound the bells, which remain stationary. This set-up allows the carillonneur to play with great dynamic expression. For more information, see a brief history and technical discussion on the GCNA website.


The Yale Memorial Carillon

Yale's 54-bell carillon was cast by John Taylor Bellfoundry in Loughborough, England. The instrument is fully chromatic from G (concert F♯) to C. Pedals range from G to B♭. The playing cabin is accessible by stairs and is located about halfway up the tower. We have two practice consoles in Harkness Tower: the original by John Taylor & Co in 1964 and one by Meeks, Watson, and Company from 2004.


Virtual Carillon created by Matthew Wrather, Class of 2002


History

Construction of the tower began in 1917, and the John Taylor Bellfoundry of Loughborough, England cast the original 10 bells in 1921. The donation of the tower, the bells and the residential college that adjoins the tower, was made by Mrs. Anna M. Harkness, in memory of her son, Charles William Harkness, Yale College class of 1883. After the bells were installed in 1922, Yale's organ curator was the only person to ring the bells regularly until a student, Elliot H. Kone, class of 1949, took over and formed the Guild of Yale Bellringers. In 1964, Miss Florence S. Marcy Crofut donated 44 new bells, and the set of chimes became a 4.5-octave carillon. Along with this promotion of status, the student group renamed itself the Yale University Guild of Carillonneurs.

A Carillon Timeline


How can I support the Guild?

The Yale University Guild of Carillonneurs is a non-profit organization and we are always appreciative of financial donations from alumni, carillon enthusiasts and members of the Yale and New Haven communities. Each year, we fund carillon performances in our Summer Series with guests from around the world. Members of the Guild also often travel as a group to carillons nearby and afar. Donations and good wishes can be sent to:

Yale University Guild of Carillonneurs
PO Box 201964
New Haven, CT 06520


Where is Harkness Tower?

Harkness Tower is located in the center of the Yale campus in New Haven, Connecticut, approximately 90 minutes northeast of New York City. For directions to Yale, contact the University Visitor Information Center. Harkness Tower [map] is located on High Street, between Chapel and Elm, directly across from the Old Campus, the best listening location for carillon concerts. For more information, please contact us at carillon@yale.edu.


Further Reading