0506carrilon03.jpg Dr. Terry O'Donnell showing the  SDSU Fletcher 135 bell symphonic  carillon. The minor bells are on the  top and the major bells are on the bottom. The "bells" are steel rods.

0506carrilon05.jpg The minor bells.

0506carrilon06.jpg four octave double  keyboard console unit

0506carrilon07.jpg staircase to the carillon.

About the SDSU Fletcher Symphonic Carillon Installation—
The Hardy Memorial Tower which houses the Fletcher Symphonic Carillon is recognized as San Diego State University's most significant historic physical landmark and is also an important University symbol to the greater San Diego community.  Since the 1940’s, the Fletcher family and many SDSU affiliated organizations have valued and supported this installation.  The daily ringing of the carillon has become one of SDSU’s oldest traditions.

The Fletcher Chimes were a gift to SDSU (known at that time as San Diego State College) by Senator and Mrs. Ed Fletcher on Christmas Day 1946, to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the University.  The chimes also serve as a memorial to all SDSU students lost in War.  In 1968, the Ed and Mary Fletcher Foundation, through the efforts of AS Vice-President, Ron Ramos, funded a renovation, and the installation was upgraded to a carillon.

In 1985, the Fletcher Foundation and SDSU Associated Students upgraded the system to a Digital Chronobell—50 Bell Symphonic Carillon.  This improvement included 25 Major English bells, 25 Minor English bells, 30 separately tuned bells for the hour-strike, various swinging bells, peals, tolling bells, and a unique computer memory system to capture, preserve, and program over 400 songs and performance events.  In 1992, another expansion funded by Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Lipinsky allowed the Fletcher Carillon to be heard at the eastern and southern edges of the campus—from the Lipinsky Clock Tower.  In 2001, the system was expanded from fifty to 135 Symphonic Carillon Bells.  The upgrade included a four-octave double keyboard console unit, and new bell housing/display cabinets.

Since 1962—excepting a short period in the late-1960’s—SDSU School of Music faculty member Dr. Terry O’Donnell has served as carillonneur for the Fletcher Carillon installation.  Traditionally, the carillon is an important musical addition to major campus activities including—Commencement, Homecoming, Founder’s Day, Convocations, campus memorials, holiday events, and a variety of special-event programs.  The musical repertoire for the carillon includes a variety of classical, popular, folk, patriotic, and original music composed, transcribed, or arranged for the instrument.

The  fund-raising campaign goal  was to raise $25,000 for the final renovation and upgrade of the carillon.  Thus  with the addition of 49 Flemish bells, 26 Bourdon bells, and 12 Upper-minor bells the complete SDSU carillon installation will include over 235 bells. They have now been ordered with installation expected this summer.