The Carillon’s Journey Across Campus: A Unique Challenge
At Professional Movers.com, we’ve handled our fair share of unusual moves, but relocating a 49-bell practice carillon across Oakland University‘s campus was truly one for the books. When you think about moving heavy objects, a musical instrument might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, this project proved to be an exciting challenge for our team.
A carillon, for those unfamiliar, is a musical instrument consisting of bells played from a keyboard. It’s one of the heaviest instruments in existence, requiring not only strength and skill to play but also to move. Our team leaders, Danial Parker and James Crowley, brought their expertise to this unique project, understanding that moving such a delicate yet heavy instrument demands careful planning and execution.
The weight of the carillon made traditional moving methods difficult, and despite its heft, the instrument’s delicate mechanisms required gentle handling. Add to that the challenge of navigating through a busy university campus, and you’ve got a move that tests every skill in a professional mover’s toolkit.
The Significance of Oakland University’s Carillon
As we worked on moving the practice carillon, we couldn’t help but appreciate its significance to Oakland University. This instrument is nearly identical to the performance carillon housed in the impressive Elliott Tower. Standing 151 feet tall, this tower has become a focal point for student life since its completion in 2014.
The carillon plays a crucial role in campus life, chiming the traditional Westminster Quarters and hosting live performances every Friday at noon, as well as during special occasions. It’s more than just a musical instrument; it’s the heartbeat of the campus.
We learned that Oakland University’s carillon holds a special place in musical history. It’s the last carillon to have its bells and keyboard cast by the Petit and Fritsen Royal Bellfoundry in the Netherlands – a company that had been in operation since 1660. This fact made us even more aware of the historical importance of the instrument we were moving.
The Technical Marvel of the Carillon
As movers, we’re always interested in the specifications of what we’re transporting. The carillon at Oakland University is truly impressive. It features 49 bells in total, with the largest bell, a low C, weighing a staggering 5,000 pounds. On the other end of the spectrum, the smallest bell, a high C, weighs in at just 24 pounds. All together, the bells weigh over 30,000 pounds – that’s more than 15 tons!
The bells and clock equipment were manufactured by The Verdin Company of Cincinnati and the Royal Bellfoundry of Petit & Fritsen in the Netherlands. Knowing the prestigious origins of the equipment we were handling added an extra layer of responsibility to our work.
The Impact on Campus Life
As we completed the move of the practice carillon, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of contribution to the university’s atmosphere. The Elliott Tower and its carillon, donated by longtime supporters Hugh and Nancy Elliott, have transformed Oakland University’s campus. It serves as a gathering point for student activities, a visual centerpiece for the campus, and a source of daily music and ambiance.
Looking forward, we’re excited to think that soon, the campus will be filled with the melodious sounds of the carillon, played by University Carillonneur Dennis Curry and talented Oakland University music students. It’s gratifying to know that our work will contribute to the musical education and enjoyment of so many students.
At Professional Movers.com, we pride ourselves on taking on unique challenges. Moving this carillon was certainly one of them, but it’s also one we were proud to accomplish. It’s not every day you get to play a part in bringing music to an entire university campus! Projects like these remind us why we love what we do – every move tells a story, and this one will be music to our ears for years to come.
Need Piano Moving Services?
Moving a carillon is a rare feat, but at Professional Movers.com, we tackle challenges like this every day. Our expertise in handling delicate musical instruments extends to pianos of all sizes – from compact uprights to grand concert pianos. We bring the same level of care, precision, and professionalism to every piano move, ensuring your prized instrument arrives safely at its new home.
Ready to move your piano? Don’t leave it to chance. Our specialized piano moving services are just a call or click away. Fill out the form below or give us a ring to get a free estimate. Let Professional Movers.com orchestrate your piano move with the same skill and care we brought to Oakland University’s carillon. Your piano deserves nothing less than the best – contact us today and experience the Professional Movers.com difference.
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