And each time the bells of the Janet Jeffrey Carlile Harris Carillon are rung, there is someone at the helm operating this most public of instruments by hand. Senior Matt Webb, university carillonneur, is responsible for making the bells echo their songs nearly everyday, continuing a long-standing tradition kept by students and faculty.

"It is a great responsibility to be prepared to take over the 'airwaves' of the campus for 15 minutes at 5:00 every afternoon, but it really is a joy and a pretty amazing feeling knowing that nearly every part of campus can hear you as you play," Webb said.

Webb's schedule calls him to play the carillon twice a week at the regularly scheduled time of 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as during concerts and special events like memorial services, convocation and commencement. The three remaining daily recitals are covered by other carillonneurs or trainees, including senior Amy Bradley, junior Allison Jones, sophomore Mallory Barber and Winston-Salem resident Ray Ebert.

The toll it takes

Webb began playing the carillon two years ago, when he was asked by the carillonneur if he was interested in helping out. "At first I thought, that sounds like a weird thing to do, but it sounds really fun too," Webb said. "So, I had carillon 'lessons' for almost a month and then began playing by myself on a regular basis."

Webb was an associate carillonneur for two years and just this year became the official university carillonneur, a position appointed by the chair of the music department and the Chaplain.

Carillonneurs train and practice on a chime clavier in the carillonneur's office that is identical to the one that controls the actual bells. Because of the entire campus is their audience, the carillonneurs practice at length. "I would say that on average at least one hour, and much more at times, is spent on a 15-minute daily carillon recital," Webb said. "The more experience a person has with the carillon, the more comfortable they will be with the clavier and less time will be required overall for practice."

Jones, who is in her second year playing the carillon, also noted the importance of preparing for a performance. "No matter how much you practice, every piece of music is a new experience on the actual carillon," she said. "There's no way the practice clavier can compare."

From the tower

Most of the music played on the carillon is traditional and includes hymns and quite a bit of classical music. "Since the carillon is located in the chapel, we often feel a sense of our religious heritage is found there and we try to reflect that in the music we choose to be played on it," Webb said.

However, a few arragements of pop and rock songs sneak into the playlist every so often. "If you listen carefully, you might hear Jack and Diane or Livin on a Prayer one day," Webb said. "Bon Jovi can be played on the carillon."

Each carillonneur selects their own music for each performance, usually from the collection that has acquired over the years. "This is part of the practice process; trying out new pieces to see what works and what doesn't," Jones said.

Perhaps one of the greatest perks of playing the carillon is the opportunity to see campus from above on a regular basis. "The view from the bell tower of the chapel is absolutely amazing," Webb said. "It is the view from above that puts everything into perspective ¯ lets you see and appreciate the campus, even the entire community of Winston-Salem, as a whole."

Jones echoed his thoughts. "It's a very serene view," she said. "It's nice to be actually above É and removed from the hustle and bustle of Wake Forest life every now and then.

"You're all alone up there so it's easy to forget your audience is the entire university," Jones added.

in the beginNing

The carillon has been ringing for 24 years and is now one of less than 100 mechanical grande carillons in the country. The set of bells was donated by Rev. Charles U. Harris, '35, in honor of his wife Janet in November of 1978.

Cast by the 200-year-old bell foundry Paccard Fonderie do Cloches just out side of Paris, the carillon is now one of the 40 largest sets in North America. Each bell is a different size to vary the tone, and range from 28 pounds to over two tons.

The bells are rigged with a series of wires and pulleys that are attached to a clavier, a console keyboard made of wooden batons and pedals and played with the side of the fist and feet, which is located just below the clock. When each baton or pedal is struck, mechanically activated clappers hit inside the bell, which is fixed in place.

The three largest bells, however, are swung freely, or "pealed," by an automatic chain and pulley system and are not used when playing music. Bells are generally pealed when there is something important taking place in the chapel or a special event is being celebrated, "such as winning the NCAA championship in basketball," according to Webb.

Twenty-nine of the bells are inscribed with dedications, verses or prose, giving each one a unique quality. "My favorite inscription on a bell is found on the third C: 'My music sings of that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent,'" Webb said.

Carrying the torch

While playing the carillon is a large commitment and requires much talent and time, the carillonneurs are pleased that they have such a unique opportunity. "The carillon is an amazing tradition that has been alive for centuries and for this reason I feel honored to be able to continue the tradition here at Wake," Webb said.

Jones agreed, adding, "It is a big responsibility, but when I get up there to play it never seems that way to me. It's a great time of making music and worship for me personally."

With such a few classical grande carillons left in the United States, having the opportunity to play one has been an incredible experience for Webb. "We are very fortunate that we have a carillon right here under our noses ... or above our heads."