Sitting demurely to the right of Jackman Hall's imposing structure on the Upper Parade Ground is the Charlotte Green Memorial Carillon located in the Adams Bell Tower. At regular intervals during the academic year, and for six Saturdays during the summer, the bells' melodious sound is heard on campus.

The bells housed in the tower originate from Belgium and were donated to Norwich in 1956 by Stephen Greene in honor of his mother. The same year, construction of the tower was funded by Susan Adams Boyer, wife of Dr. Porter Hartwell Adams, Norwich's 16th president in honor of his mother.

The carillon has 47 bells in its grande carillon that play four full octaves. Carillons are the largest musical instrument in the world and date from Europe more than 500 years ago. North America currently has nearly 200 working carillon. The bells at Norwich and Middlebury College are the only two in Vermont.

Since 1986 George Matthew Jr. has been Norwich's resident carilloneur. In addition to performing concerts, Mr. Matthew also gives lessons. There is a practice clavier on the first floor of the tower. Lessons are generously funded for Norwich's faculty, staff and students by Northfield resident Louise Halsted.

During the summer area residents are invited to attend hourlong concert series at 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. There is no admission charge. Guest carilloneurs are often international and renowned players. The Randolf Philbrook Fund for Carillon Performances underwrites the performances.

Continuing generosity in regards to the carillon, the Nancy Garrison and Helen Philbrook Fund for the Preservation of the Carillon underwrites the cost of regularly scheduled maintenance, ensuring the longevity of Norwich's unique asset.

For all Saturday concerts, the public is welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket and sit in the shade. Following the concert, the tower is open for tours and demonstrations.

On July 4th George Matthew Jr. will perform. His program will include pieces by composers Handel and Mendelsson, American carillon compositions, a blues melody and end with patriotic melody. The concert on July 11th will feature two carilloneurs from Russia--Elena Sadina and Sergei Gratchev.

The concert series is organized by Diana Weggler, Senior Editor of Development and Alumni Publications at Norwich and a Northfield resident. She can be reached at 485-2318 or nucarillon@ norwich.edu. General information about carillons can be found at the website of the Guild of Carilloneurs in North America at www.gcna.org.