About the Wellesley College Guild of Carillonneurs

What is the Guild of Carillonneurs?

The Guild of Carillonneurs is a Wellesley College student organization whose members play the carillon, commonly known as "the bells," at the top of Wellesley College's Galenstone Tower, providing the trademark music of chiming bells for students, faculty, and visitors to enjoy. Active members receive weekly lessons and perform regularly on the carillon during the semester. The Guild also hosts open tower events and concerts open to the entire Wellesley community.

Carillon Training and Levels of the Guild of Carillonneurs

There is an application process at the beginning of each semester to accept new members.

Apprentice:
New members join the Guild at the Apprentice level. They are given weekly lessons to learn the basic manual, pedal, and musical skills required to pass their first recital. Students at this level are only permitted to play the practice carillon until they pass. Lessons are taught by Junior Members of the Guild.

Junior Membership Recital Requirements:
"American the Beautiful"
"The Wellesley College Alma Mater"
"Queen's Change" by memory
Proper spelling of the word carillonneur
1 manual piece
1 manual and pedal piece

Junior Member: Once an apprentice has passed her first recital, she is granted a junior membership to the Guild. This allows her to perform concerts on the carillon as well as continue lessons with the advisor weekly. Lessons continue to enhance musical and technical abilities and prepare the junior member for a senior recital.

Senior Membership Recital Requirements:
2 pieces that must use pedals and manuals
1 piece that is an improvisation of the performer's arrangement that uses manuals and pedals

Senior Members:
Members of the Guild at this level should show proficiency with the instrument and have an in-depth knowledge of the music and the instrument.

Associate Member:
Associate members are individuals who support the Guild but do not play the carillon.

Interested in becoming a member of the Guild?

We accept applications for membership each semester. Look for applications on FirstClass by accessing the Guild of Carillonneurs conference. The requirements for applicants are: an ability to read music, both treble and bass clefs, and most importantly, an enthusiasm and commitment to performing on the carillon.

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Created by: Amy Allport
Date Created: 5 October 2007
Date Modified: 6 October 2007
Expires: 1 September 2008