Tom Gurin performed the inaugural recital of the new carillon at North Carolina State University on Friday, May 14, 2021, at 3:00 PM. The preceding dedication ceremony began at 2:00 PM with speeches from University Chancellor W.R. Woodson, Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin, and others. The in-person listening space was the Court of North Carolina.
Helpful Links:
- • For information about the in-person and live-streamed event, see the N.C. State University calendar and the NCSU Alumni Association website.
- • YouTube link for the online livestream (embedded below)
- • Information about the carillon and the Zoom link for the livestream
- • Facebook event
About the Belltower and the Carillon
N.C. State’s Memorial Belltower was built throughout the 1920s, 30s, and 40s as a memorial to graduates of the university who fought in World War I and lost their lives. In 1947, Arthur Bigelow performed the initial dedication recital on “carillonic bells” (electronic sound recordings). Nearly three quarters of a century later, Tom Gurin will be the first to perform on the real bells of the new, traditional carillon supplied by B.A. Sunderlin Bellfoundry.
The Memorial Belltower is the icon of N.C. State University. It is also where the student body takes graduation photos, begins their infamous Krispy Kreme Challenge, and more. The Belltower and the new carillon symbolize the strength and traditions of the “Wolfpack” community.
In addition to performing the dedicatory recital, Gurin was also involved in commissioning the instrument in collaboration with B.A. Sunderlin Bellfoundry. Gurin consulted on the project during November of 2020.
The dedication program included several of Gurin’s original compositions and arrangements, as well as a tribute section to the history of the Belltower and its original sound.
For more information on the project or Tom’s availability, please contact him directly.
2:00 PM Dedication Ceremony
Presentation of Colors: NC State Army ROTC
National Anthem: Areon Mobasher ‘18 (College of Humanities and Social Sciences)
A Memorial Belltower: Commander Michelle Parkington ‘22 (College of Veterinary Medicine)
A Legend in Stone: Chancellor W. R. Woodson
The Instrument: Michael Gardo ‘22 (College of Engineering)
An Extraordinary Transformation: Chancellor Woodson
Honoring the Past
Our Gathering Place: Carmen Bollman ‘21 (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences)
A Beacon for Many: Mary-Ann Baldwin, Mayor of Raleigh
The Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting of Henry Square: William “Bill” Henry with Chancellor Woodson
3:00 PM Inaugural Recital
TOM GURIN, GUEST CARILLONNEUR
All arrangements by the carillonneur unless otherwise noted
Approx. Duration: 1 hour
NC State Fight Song: John Philip Sousa
Classical Arrangements
Menuet from Partita in B-Flat: J.S. Bach (arr. L. Hart)
Polovtsian Dances: Alexander Borodin (arr. J. Haazen)
Girl with the Flaxen Hair: Claude Debussy (arr. J. Rottiers)
Carillon Repertoire
Irish Air: Geert D’Hollander
Campanella: Geo Clement
On the San Antonio River: Robert Byrnes
Things with Feathers: Tom Gurin
Popular Songs
Your Song: Elton John
Landslide: Fleetwood Mac
Moon River: Henry Mancini (arr. R. Giszczak)
Songs from the Belltower’s History
Londonderry Air: Traditional Irish (Performed during the 1947 Belltower chimes dedication)
Edelweiss: Richard Rodgers (Frequently played by students on the electronic carillon)
NC State University Alma Mater: Bonnie Norris
From the Bellfounder