The sounds of students across campus will soon not be the only sounds heard coming from Hesston College. The pleasant chiming of bells and music will join the college’s repertoire as campus anticipates the addition of a carillon system to enhance the auditory and spiritual atmosphere on campus and throughout the surrounding community.

The carillon system designed by Schumerich Carillon Co. in Quakertown, Pa., is a digitalized system of regular clock chimes that will be used throughout the day, along with a music selection each day and ending at the close of the evening. The exact campus location is yet to be decided by a small representative campus group.

“The alumni relations department is pleased to be able to add this significant and quality auditory instrument to campus as part of the recent campus transformation, and for the Hesston community’s enjoyment as well,” said Dallas Stutzman, director of Alumni and Church Relations.

The idea for a carillon system has been a topic of discussion since the college’s Centennial celebration in 2009. With the development of the north campus entrance, the college decided it seemed appropriate to give the campus a symbolic auditory element to the visual change of the new north entrance.

Stutzman says the carillon selections will be able to be heard at some distance and a pleasant addition a few times a day for those within reach.

The college’s celebration of the new campus entry at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 25, will include the first official chiming of the new alumni carillon bells.

 

by Emily Kauffman