Tag Archives: Beckering Carillon

GVSU Carillon in Grand Rapids to turn blue to thank critical workers

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By Dottie Barnes
GVSU

Beckering Carillon will turn blue May 1 – 15 to thank health care workers.

The Beckering Family Carillon Tower on Grand Valley State University’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus will turn blue as a way to thank critical workers for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grand Valley, in partnership with Creative Day Technologies and Odyssey Lighting, is paying tribute to all critical workers, including first responders, health care workers, grocers and many more, who are putting themselves in harm’s way during the COVID-19 crisis.

The carillon will be illuminated by blue lights, installed by Creative Day and Odyssey Lighting, beginning May 1 and extending through May 15. 

“This is one small way to honor all of the critical workers who are working so diligently to keep us safe, fed and cared for,” said President Philomena V. Mantella. “We honor them for their hard work and unwavering commitment. We are forever grateful.”

A sign, next to the carillon, will offer extended words of gratitude from Grand Valley:

“Thank you, Critical Workers! You have risen to the occasion to provide frontline support and ensure our community is cared for, housed, and fed. You have remained calm and steadfast in a time of crisis and uncertainty. We know it has not been easy. Your commitment and fortitude have not gone unnoticed. We see you. We thank you. We will not forget.”

GVSU concert series to feature carillonneurs from around the country

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GVSU’s Beckering Carillon (Photo by Amanda Pitts)

Carillonneurs from around the U.S. will travel to Grand Valley State University this summer to fill the air around both campuses with music during the International Carillon Concert Series.

The 24th annual Cook Carillon International Concert Series will take place on Sundays at 8 p.m. on the Allendale Campus, beginning July 1.
Cook Carillon Concerts
July 1 – Student recital and open tower tours
July 8 – Lee Cobb (Cape Coral, Florida)
July 15 – Joey Brink (University of Chicago)
July 22 – Helen Hawley (Grand Rapids)
July 29 – George Gregory (San Antonio, Texas)
August 5 – Sally Harwood (Michigan State University)
August 12 — Carol Anne Taylor (Dallas, Texas)
August 19 – Dennis Curry (Birmingham, Michigan)

The Cook Carillon bells (Photo by Bernadine Carey-Tucker)

Named for major donors and longtime Grand Valley supporters Peter and Pat Cook, who died in 2010 and 2008 respectively, the Cook Carillon Tower contains 48 bronze bells created in the Netherlands. The bells range from 7.5 inches to more than 51 inches, and weigh from 14 pounds to nearly 3,000 pounds. Arranged in a chromatic series, a carillonneur plays the bells after climbing 61 steps to the playing cabin, just below the bells and clock mechanism. Cables connect the bells to a keyboard and pedal board that permit loud or soft tones through a variation of either hard or soft strikes by fists and feet. The size and weight of each bell determines the individual tones.

The 18th annual Beckering Family Carillon International Concert Series brings five concerts to the Lacks International Plaza located at the DeVos Center on Grand Valley’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus. These concerts will take place on Wednesdays at noon, beginning July 11.
Beckering Family Carillon Concerts
July 11 – Lee Cobb
July 18 – Joey Brink
July 25 – Tiffany Ng (University of Michigan)
August 1 – Duet: George Gregory and Julianne Vanden Wyngaard, Grand Valley university carillonneur
All concerts are free and open to the public, and last approximately one hour. They will take place rain or shine. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/music, or call Grand Valley’s Music and Dance Department at (616) 331-3484.

GVSU hosts two popular carillon programs, the Beckering and the Cook

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Cook Carillon Bells by Bernadine Carey-Tucker

Some of the finest carillonneurs from around the world will fill the air with music on the campuses of Grand Valley State University during the annual International Carillon Concert Series. The 23rd annual Cook Carillon International Concert Series will take place on Sundays at 8 p.m. on the Allendale Campus through August 20. The 17th annual Beckering Family Carillon International Concert Series brings five concerts to the Lacks International Plaza located at the DeVos Center on Grand Valley’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus. These concerts will take place on Wednesdays at noon. For more information, contact Grand Valley’s Music and Dance Department at (616) 331-3484.

 

Beckering Carillon – Pew Grand Rapids Campus

August 2 – Julianne Vanden Wyngaard, GVSU university carilloneur

 

Cook Carillon – Allendale Campus

August 6 – Sue Bergren, Naperville, Illinois

August 13 – Ray McLellan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

August 20 – Julianne Vanden Wyngaard