The story begins with a crackle of thunder. And ends with the most majestic sounds of the holiday season.
July 8. Thunder and lightning. A sharp strike hits UNCG’s Vacc Bell Tower. The bells’ consoles are immediately out of commission.
This full carillon of bells had first been heard on a December 2015 ceremony at the bell tower. Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam Jr. counted down “5, 4, 3, 2, 1” and, as the entire plaza was lighted with a seasonal display, music doctoral student Marya Orlawska-Fancey played a keyboard connected to the tower. The first song? “Carol of the Bells.”
The UNCG carillon has 49 bells. The original 25 were complemented four years ago by 24 new bells, an additional gift by Dr. Nancy Vacc. The addition made it one of only five full carillons in the state, allowing the bells to provide a rich sound for any melody.
Fast forward four years, and the bells are ready to ring in the holiday season again. The company that had installed the bells oversaw the sophisticated electronic repairs during the semester.
And the bells are now ready for the holidays.
The bells started striking the “Westminster chimes” each hour, starting Nov. 8. And since Nov. 8, they have played the UNCG alma mater at noon. A few seasonal songs sounded on Reading Day, after the campus holiday reception at Alumni House. But, to help students concentrate, John Comer, the Alumni House manager who maintains the controls, has kept the bells relatively quiet during the exam period – no seasonal songs.
The respectful silence will come to an end later this week, as the exam period closes out Thursday evening. At 5 p.m. on Thursday, he plans to let the seasonal songs ring out. The carillon will play seasonal melodies each day at dusk through New Year’s.
Those on campus for Thursday’s late afternoon doctoral hooding ceremony or Friday’s Commencement day will have something extra-special to enjoy.
By Mike Harris
Photograph by Martin W. Kane
Text updated 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 11.
