The Charles Baird Carillon at Burton Memorial Tower is undergoing significant maintenance this summer, as 30 clappers, the movable metal components within the carillon bells, are removed and replaced. This project began on May 22, aiming to enhance playability and safety while preserving one of the university’s iconic musical structures. Crews have already removed 26 clappers, and the four heaviest ones, weighing up to 1,000 pounds, will be taken down in August using a 50-ton crane.
During this maintenance, the bell tower’s carillon chamber will remain closed to visitors, with performances paused until the work is finalized. The installation of new clappers is slated for August, and carillon performances will resume shortly thereafter.
The project aims to improve the instrument’s usability, reducing injury risks for performers. The clappers being replaced were installed in a 2011 restoration and were notably heavy, making the carillon challenging to play. Tiffany Ng, university carillonist and music professor, noted that the previous clappers were experimental models that led to performance injuries and discouraged play.
The new clappers will conform to industry-standard weights, enabling more controlled, resonant sound from the carillon’s 53 bronze bells, originally cast by John Taylor & Co. in Loughborough, England. Josh Meeks of Meeks, Watson & Co., overseeing the clapper replacement, explained the process involves extensive design and fabrication to ensure smooth operation and optimal sound quality.
The updated design will position many clappers closer to the bell wall, making them easier to manage. Ng expressed enthusiasm for the increased musical range this project will allow, including pieces like Richard Giszczak’s arrangement of “The Victors,” which has been unplayable due to the current clappers’ weight.
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