Berkeley Carillon Guild

Berkeley Carillon Guild

Music

The Berkeley Carillon Guild is the student group behind the bells you hear ringing from Sather Tower. Members play and perform on UC Berkeley's 61-bell Class of 1928 Carillon, organize special concerts, and tour other carillons. New players can join through a student-run DeCal class with weekly 1-on-1 practice sessions and a final public recital. Those seeking deeper study can audition for formal lessons with the University Carillonist.

1
DeCal course units
4
Music 40 students accepted per year (approximate)
61
Number of bells on the carillon
6
Current Guild student members
Events They Host
10th Berkeley Carillon Festival
June 29-30, 2024. Four one-hour recitals over the weekend at noon and 2pm each day, held in honor of the retirement of University Carillonist Jeff Davis. Programs available outside Sather Tower.
9th Berkeley Carillon Festival
August 12-13, 2023. Recitals at noon and 2pm on both Saturday and Sunday, celebrating new and long-standing members of the Berkeley carillon community.
DeCal Final Recital
End-of-semester public recital where DeCal students perform for the entire campus.
GCNA Congress 2024
June 4-8, 2024 at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia. The 81st annual Guild of Carillonneurs in North America Congress. Berkeley members Dave Hunsberger, Erika Anderson, Peter Trost, and Michelle Pan attended; Michelle was voted into GCNA membership.
GCNA Congress 2023
June 14-17, 2023 at St. Stephen's Church in Cohasset, Massachusetts. The 80th annual GCNA Congress. Berkeley members Erika Anderson, Peter Trost, Brunston Poon, and Anna Zhao attended; Peter passed his GCNA Carillonneur examination.
GCNA Congress 2022
June 16-19, 2022 at the University of Chicago. The 79th annual GCNA Congress. Berkeley members Erika Anderson, Brunston Poon, Dave Hunsberger, and alumni attended; Erika passed her GCNA Carillonneur examination.
Regular public recitals
During fall and spring semesters: 10-minute recitals Monday through Saturday at 7:50am, 12pm, and 6pm; 45-minute recital every Sunday at 2pm from Sather Tower.