Section A·Page 8
The University Daily Kansan
Wednesday, June 30, 1999
Only one bank has a full-service branch on campus.
Bells toll for music professor
By Derek Helms
Kansan staff writer
For 36 years, Albert Gerken, professor of music and dance, has walked up the 70 steps of the Campanile to go to work. With a closed fist and active feet, Gerken presses the 53 maple keys and 27 foot pedals of the University of Kansas' carillon.
"There is really nothing else like it," Gerken said. "The carillon is such an interesting instrument."
A carillon is a musical instrument consisting of cast bronze, cup-shaped bells arranged in chromatic series and played from a keyboard. The bells have a range of at least two octaves.
"The carillon is quite complex," Gerken said. "Because of the mass of some of the bells, the entire instrument is mechanical."
The carillon in the Campanile has 53 bells ranging in weight from 12 pounds to 7 tons.
"Obviously with that kind of weight you need some mechanical assistance." Gerken said.
Gerken said that the carillon's keys are pushed down with a closed fist for added leverage.
"A popular misconception is that the carillon is much like a piano." Gerken said. "Actually, it is extremely different, although the piano is a good base to begin from."
When Gerken took the job, his time was divided between teaching music theory and playing the carillon.
Gerken began playing the carillon as a graduate student at the University of Michigan. He and a friend were majoring in organ with aspirations to work in churches.
Now Gerken teaches only car-
In 1963, a professor from the University of Michigan called Gerken about a carillonneur opening at the University of Kansas.
"Initially, we decided to study the carillon because many churches have one," he said. "Then we were simply taken aback by the sound."
illon students. He requires that students have prior experience in music. Each student spends one hour a day in the practice room in the Campanile, with much of the practice time devoted to preparing for recitals.
"Performing two recitals a week is very time consuming," he said.
Gerken estimates that 75 percent of his work time is devoted to playing, although when the carillon is heard during the day, it is most likely the automatic program that plays portions of the the Westminster Chimes at the quarter hours.
Top: Professor Albert Gertken plays at the Campanile. Gertken has performed on carillons throughout the U.S. and Europe and has played at the University of Kansas for 36 years.
Carillon recitals are scheduled for 3 p.m.every Sunday and 8 p.m.every Wednesday when classes are in session.
Gerken encourages others to take up the carillon. Mark Holmberg, associate professor of music and dance, was
Left: The Campanile houses more than 50 bells. Recitals are Sundays and Wednesdays during academic semesters. Photo by Jamie Roper/KANSAN
appointed assistant
University carillonneur in 1976 after two years of study with Gerken.
"My interest in the instrument grew from listening to Professor Gerken play," Holmberg said. "He really encouraged me to take up the carillon."
As a member of The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America, Gerken also performs throughout the U.S. and Europe.
"I've played almost every major carillon in North America and Europe," he said.
Additionally, Gerken has published 60 or 70 pieces of carillon music, often adapted from other works.
Gerken said he still loves to play the Campanile's carillon.
"I would say our carillon is one of the top 5 in the country," he said.
Edited by Chad Bettes
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