University of Florida Students Play Century Tower Carillon
The dedicated studio maintains the tradition of performing musical recitals on the tower's 61-bell instrument.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in College Life
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Students at the University of Florida keep the campus tradition alive by performing recitals on the 61-bell Century Tower carillon. Participants navigate logistical challenges including a climb of 11.5 flights of stairs to reach the instrument.
Why it matters
The small carillon studio operates with a select number of students to ensure manageable instruction and practice schedules. The group preserves a historic Gainesville campus feature that first began ringing 50 years ago.
The Century Tower instrument features 61 bells, having expanded from an original 49. Students such as 22-year-old Alexis Orr and 20-year-old Eddie Strunk coordinate practice slots twice a week.
The players
Laura Ellis
She has served as the instructor for the University of Florida carillon studio since 2003.
Alexis Orr
She is a 22-year-old student participant in the University of Florida carillon studio.
Eddie Strunk
He is a 20-year-old student participant in the University of Florida carillon studio.
The details
Students work to adapt musical arrangements for the bells through trial and error, often checking song copyright availability via the ArrangeMe database. The studio is currently adjusting to the relocation of a practice instrument due to music building construction.
Timeline
2003: Laura Ellis began teaching carillon students at the University of Florida.
50 years ago: The Century Tower bells first rang.
Oct. 30, 2026, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: The Annual Halloween Spooktacular performance occurs.
Culture Shift
The ongoing recitals follow a pattern set by the 50th anniversary of the Century Tower bells. This continuity highlights a dedication to preserving historical campus landmarks despite modern logistical challenges.
Residents and students can attend the upcoming Annual Halloween Spooktacular to hear the bells in person. The performance schedule requires listeners to be near the Century Tower at the specified time to fully experience the recital.
The takeaway
Maintaining historic traditions requires both physical effort and academic dedication from student participants. Interested students can look for opportunities to engage with specialized musical instruments that define the character of their university campus.
What happens next
The Annual Halloween Spooktacular is scheduled for Oct. 30, 2026, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Century Tower.
Further reading
Explore more about College Life on our campus reporting page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Independent Florida Alligator.
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