Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon - Springfield, Illinois
Posted by: 
paulspaper
N 39° 47.363 W 089° 41.009
16S E 270221 N 4407825
The Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon is located on the west end of Washington Park. It is located next to the Botanical Garden and near the Rose Garden.
Waymark Code: WM5NQ2
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 01/26/2009
Views: 16
Within the open tower hang 67 cast bronze bells covering a range of 5 1/2 chromatic octaves. The total weight of the bells is 82,753 pounds; the largest (bourdon) bell, a G-flat, weighs 7 1/2 tons, while the smallest weighs 22 pounds. The carillon was cast by the 300-year-old bellfoundry of Petit & Fritsen, Ltd.,in Aarle-Rixtel, The Netherlands. All of the bells are played manually by means of the keyboard located in the carillonneur's cabin.
The newest bell, the B flat bell, was installed in February 2000, bringing the total number of bells to 67.
In 1987, a new keyboard and practice keyboard with the new American standard were installed in the Rees tower. The renovation, which included numerous mechanical improvements, has been widely praised by all the performers who have played on the new instrument. In addition to manufacturing the keyboards themselves, the Verdin Company of Cincinnati was responsible for all of the installation on the renovated instrument.
Location:
1740 W Fayette Ave
Springfield, IL USA
62704
Who controls the carillon?: Springfield Park District
Number of bells: 67
Schedule of regular public performances:
Regularly scheduled concerts are given each Sunday afternoon throughout the year, with the addition of a Wednesday evening concert during the summer months. Tours of the tower are given on a daily basis (Closed Monday and Tuesday) from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on weekends after September if weather permits.
Year of construction: 06/01/1962
Structure: Free standing carillon located in Washington Park, Springfield, Illinois
Location web page: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
An original photograph of the carillon is required. One of you and your crew doing your very best imitation of Quasimodo and/or Esmeralda will be most appreciated.