Yale is home to many iconic landmarks and buildings. My favorite is Harkness Tower. Standing tall at 216 feet, Harkness Tower is a masonry tower that serves as symbol of Yale and New Haven. The tower was completed in 1917 (the 216 feet are for the 216 years between 1701 – when Yale was founded – and 1917), which means the tower is just about to celebrate its 100th birthday.
Inside the tower you’ll find 284 winding step that go up nine stories. Halfway up the tower are four beautiful blue clock faces - one on each side. Students can catch the time from any viewpoint and make it to class on time. Everyday the clock chimes the hour, and students in the Guild of Carillonneurs [Link to their website] will use the playing console of the 54-bell carillon to play music.
I had the lucky experience to see one of the Carillonneurs in action last week. On the guild’s website, students and faculty (or anyone really!) can request a song to be played on the bells. My original request was Mozart’s Piano Sonata in C, K. 545 (1/2), 1st movement. However, it was a complicated piece, and would be a bit difficult to play on the bells. So I went in a different direction and requested a couple of my go-to songs: “Just Like Fire” by P!nk and “Carry On My Wayward Son” by Kansas. I received an email informing me that my songs were approved and inviting me to take a tour. I accepted immediately, of course!
When my tour day arrived, I couldn’t wait. I shook with excitement as I walked to my destination. I met the carillonneur who would be giving my tour. He greeted me by name and walked with me to the base of Harkness Tower. On the way he told me about the history of Harkness, and what it was like to be a member of the Guild. We took to the winding staircase, walking pass several markers that tell you how many calories you are burning as you climb. It was quite a workout!
We passed by the original carillon console used in the early 1900s, practice rooms where guild members play music before officially playing on the Harkness bells, and a museum-like circular room containing artifacts and information on Harkness’ history. Soon we reached midway, where the Harkness carillon console resides. The console was breathtaking. Golden strings on the console wind all the way up to where the 54 bells sit calmly, waiting to be played with harmonious melodies. Just like playing a piano, guild members read sheet music and press the corresponding keys for each note.
With the sheet music for my requested songs in hand, the guild member took a seat and directed me to the balconies to enjoy the view as he played. Taking his advice, I went outside on one of the balconies and was immediately rewarded with a stunning view of Yale from above. I could see for miles, up to where East Rock’s Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument sat gloriously at the top, reaching into the depths of the blue sky.
As I looked out onto my New Haven domain below, the sweet melodies of the song began to play. I was awed at the skill of the guild member, as his deft fingers picked out the right notes. Of course, I had to record this moment; I took more Snapchat pictures and videos than I can count.
When he finished the song, the guild member allowed the bells to rest as he assembled his sheet music for “Carry On My Wayward”. Soon the bells were playing, surprising me with how close to the rock song they were. As the sun set, the last notes of the “Kansas” single played out, ringing into the oncoming dusk. In that moment, it was quiet and New Haven was still, as if all of nature and humankind had been silenced in awe of the ringing bells. An obnoxious car horn soon ruined my moment, but nevertheless, that moment will forever be ingrained in my memories.
I left the guild member to play more songs; his “shift” wouldn’t end for another 15 minutes. I walked down the staircase as the classic “Be Our Quest” from Beauty and the Beast began to play. When I reached the base of Harkness and stepped into Branford College’s courtyard, I turned around and snapped a photo of Harkness while I still had sunlight.
Over the years I have taken many pictures of Harkness Tower, and every time I look at them, I am in awe of its beauty and grandeur. Even after I graduate from Yale, I know that Harkness Tower will always be precious to me.
