McDonogh's Carillon

A carillon consists of 23 or more cast bronze bells connected with mechanical wires to a keyboard and a pedalboard. The keyboard is similar to that of a piano; it is split into two rows of spindle-like wooden keys that are struck by half-closed fists. The pedalboard, similar to that of an organ, controls the two lowest octaves. Repertoire ranges from original compositions to arrangements of classical music, hymns, and popular melodies.

The McDonogh carillon, one of approximately 200 in North America and only two in Maryland, includes 48 bells weighing a total of nearly 10 tons. The smallest is 24 pounds and has a diameter of 7 ½ inches; the largest weighs more than 1.6 tons and has a diameter of 53 inches. The bells were cast and tuned in the Netherlands by the Petit and Fritsen Foundry, which dates back to 1660. Additionally, there is a practice carillon in the bell tower whose keyboard and pedalboard are attached to a much smaller set of bells.

Throughout the year, the carillon chimes the Westminster Quarters and Hours. When school or camp is in session, 23 bells are programmed to play a hymn or familiar tune every weekday in the morning and again in the afternoon.

Links:

McDonogh's Carillonneurs

William Lyon-Vaiden is McDonogh's resident carillonneur. He learned to play at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Lyon-Vaiden plays for many events during the school year, including Founder's Day, the Alumni Memorial Service, Headmaster's Day, and Graduation. By request, he will play for weddings and other ceremonies on campus.

From time to time, Lyon-Vaiden trains interested students on the carillon. Alumni Eric Mulligan ’04 and Talley Berry ’06 learned to play the bells for their senior projects.

Audio Sample

Click the link to hear McDonogh's own carillon chiming an arrangement of the hymn "Let All Things Now Living."

Let All Things Now Living

McDonogh School | 410.363.0600 |

8600 McDonogh Road | Owings Mills | Maryland | 21117