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Timmy Verdin of the Verdin Company of Cincinnati adjusts the ringer in one of the bells at the Campanile. The Campanile has been under renovation for three years.
Darcy Coles / KANSAN
Bells will toll
Bells v Campanile is repaired
By Bradley J. Brooks
Kansan Correspondent
There will be something in the air during the 1996 KU commencement that has been missing for more than two years: the sounds of the 53-bell carillon in the Campanile, which will ring once again in this year's graduation.
The bells have not been heard since October of 1993 as a result of extensive
Gerken not only is in charge of playing the carillon, he has overseen the entire renovation project.
renovations to the Campanile.
"We didn't only restore it, we tried to improve it beyond its
"I can now play and do things musically with much more ease, much more control. It makes the instrument more expressive," said Albert Gerken, University carillonneur since 1963.
original state." Gerken said.
"The placing of the bells in new locations will simply make them ring better."
Gerken said the biggest factor in improving the sound was the repositioning of the bells. The treble bells have been moved nearer the top of the Campanile, enabling their sound to be more exposed.
"We tried to improve the action so that when it is played,it improves the sound," Gerken said.
He said the renovations included replacing all of the clappers, which ring the fixed bells, and mounting the clappers on new bearing mounts. A new keyboard was also purchased.
Albert Gorken University carillonneur
"I can now play and do things with much more ease, much more control."
All this adds up to a more comfortable working environment, Gerken said, but playing for the commencement is still a concern.
In addition to work on the carillon, the playing and practice rooms were improved. The rooms, which are half-way up the Campanile, have been repainted, the electrical system has been improved, and new air-conditioning and heating units have been installed.
The playing of the carillon can be physically taxing. Gerken strikes the maple keyboard with a clenched fist to activate the bells with higher tones. He uses foot pedals to play the bells with lower sound.
"I've been away so long, and I only will have two weeks to practice." Gerken said.
Gerken said.
"There is physical activity to it. When its warm, it can be very uncomfortable," Gerken said. "I'm out of shape now; it's been a couple of years. Like an athlete, I'll have to get back into shape."
The physical work is not the only thing that has been a stress.
Gerken has estimated that the renovations have cost $450,000. The University allocated $45,000 in 1984, when he first proposed the project, and the rest has come from private contributions. A separate fund is also in existence to help maintain the renovations.
Keith and Joan Bunnel of Pittsburgh have contributed $425,000 to establish the restoration fund, making the project possible.
The Bunnels planned to attend the April 26 rededication ceremony for the carillon, which coincides with Keith Bunnel's 50-year class reunion.
May 1996 The Hill
"I'm delighted. It has taken a long time to get it done," Bunnel said. "I hope it comes off without a hitch so that we all can hear the bells again."
Graduation
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