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Carillon
The Bells of McDonogh's Carillon
The McDonogh Carillon — one of approximately 180 in North America — consists of 48 bells, the largest weighing over 1.6 tons with a diameter of 53"; the smallest weighs 24 lbs. and has a diameter of 7 1/2". The total weight of the bells alone is in excess of 9.7 tons. The bells were cast and tuned in the Netherlands by the Petit & Fritsen Foundry, dating back to 1660.
Throughout the year, the carillon chimes the Westminster Quarters and Hours. When school or camp is in session, 23 bells are programmed to play a hymn or familiar tune every weekday in the morning and again in the afternoon. During the summer, McDonogh hosts a Carillon Concert Series. Guests are invited to picnic on the grounds surrounding Tagart Memorial Chapel or enjoy the free recitals from inside. Tours of the tower are typically given after each concert. Please note that, in 2026, seating in the chapel and tours of the carillon will be suspended because of a major renovation of the chapel and tower.
Buck Lyon-Vaiden is McDonogh's resident carillonneur. He learned to play at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. Lyon-Vaiden plays for many events during the school year, including Dedication Day, the Alumni Memorial Service, Head of School Day, and Commencement. By request, he will play for weddings and other ceremonies on campus.
How Carillons Operate
A carillon consists of 23 or more cast bronze bells, which have been so tuned that many bells can be sounded together to produce a harmonious effect. It is normally played from a keyboard consisting of two rows of spindle-like wooden keys, struck by half-closed fists, and of a pedalboard duplicating the lower two octaves of manual keys.
By means of an entirely mechanical wire linkage between the bells and keyboard, the carillonneur is able to produce remarkable variations in expression. Carillon bells are hung stationary; only the clappers move.
Carillon music is of all types–original compositions, transcriptions of classical music, hymns, folk songs, and popular melodies.
Carillon Featured in Amerika Woche
McDonogh's Carillonneur
Buck Lyon-Vaiden
Buck Lyon-Vaiden, a member of the Foreign Language Department of McDonogh School for 36 years before retiring in 2007, became interested in the carillon while a student at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, where he began studying under Albert Bonholzer in 1963. He played there regularly until his graduation in 1967. He continued his studies with Frank Dellapenna after the installation of the McDonogh Carillon in October 1978. An associate member of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America (GCNA), he plays the McDonogh Carillon for various school events. He has organized the McDonogh Summer Carillon Concert Series since its inception in 1979 and continues to serve as the School Carillonneur.