On the first day of spring, the carillon suddenly starts playing itself. The bells peal out “Joy to the World”, as the campus bursts into life with fresh rain and pockets of green.

We leave our offices, dorms, classrooms and study carrels to pour onto the quad and witness the miracle. Our beloved carillonneur is gone, but his music lives on in the bells, and in all of us.

We dance in the rain, laughing, crying. We are young, old, ageless. We are grounded in earth, aligned with the heavens.

Life never ends, the bells tell us, and we listen.

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Carrie OLeary
Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
1 year ago

I love this, Julie. Joy to the World has always been my favourite carol. I was in the school choir and when we got to that song in our repertoire, I always felt my heart lift, it really is a song to make you feel joyful, so I can fully understand how the students / teachers et al would feel at hearing this – especially as the carillonneur is no longer with… Read more »

Last edited 1 year ago by Carrie OLeary
Linda Rock
Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
1 year ago

‘Joy to the World’ is such a rousing anthem, Julie, who couldn’t be stirred by it? You always bring us such wonderful stories behind the music that features in your stories, which is a joy in itself. Thank you for sharing them. I loved this story and everyone, at least once, should dance in the rain.

Margarida Brei
Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
1 year ago

“Aligned with the heavens” are such powerful words, Julie. Great writing.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
1 year ago

Oh! “Joy to the world ” was also one of my favorite carol songs. Your story is very powerful and ageless. And you’re right: “Life never ends, the bells tell us, and we listen.” Well done, Julie. 

Christer Norrlof
Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
1 year ago

Another great music story, Julie. While reading, I can sense your gratitude and joy remembering the carillon music, the University, and your studies there. What a joy!
Did you get to play the carillon yourself? Watching the video clip, I got the impression that it must feel awkward for a pianist to play with fisted hands.

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