Before the Millennium Carillon was constructed in Naperville, the idea of a carillon wasn't even on my radar. However, I find that the more I learn about the structure and its history, the more I appreciate it. What amazes me the most is the fact that carillon musicians, known as carillonneurs, come from near and far to play in our summer concert series. This year, carrillonneurs representing respected American universities will play, in addition to a gentleman from the Netherlands and twin sisters from Portugal. In fact, I heard that the sisters are planning on playing a few selections from the band Metallica in addition to some more classical selections - wow!

The Summer Recital Series is held every Tuesday evening through August 25; concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. and they're free. Carillon concerts are truly family-friendly, and many guests bring blankets, folding chairs and picnics to enjoy.

For those of you who aren't quite sure what a carillon is, I'm happy to fill you in on what I know about Naperville's unique instrument and tower:
- In order to be classified as a carillon, there need to be a minimum of 23 bells
- The keyboard on which the musicians play is called a "clavier" (pronounced: kla-vee-ay)
- Naperville's carillon has 72 bells and actually is known as a "Grand Carillon" because its bells span four octaves. Ours is one of only four Grand Carillons in the entire world!
- The 72 bells have a combined weight of 32.5 tons, and the heaviest bell (Big Joe, named after Naperville's founder) weighs a staggering 5.8 tons
- Moser Tower is 16 stories tall and has 253 steps that lead up to an observation deck where the Chicago Skyline can be viewed on a clear day
- The adjacent Visitor Center depicts the history of Naperville, its surrounding Riverwalk and nearby Centennial Beach (admission to the Visitor Center is free)
- Just this year, we started offering Carillon weddings. We're very excited to provide brides with a unique outdoor venue and beautiful focal point like the Naperville Riverwalk. And, just think of the spectacular bridal party pictures that can be taken at the very top of Moser Tower!
- Probably one of the most notable things about the Carillon is that it was built with tremendous community support, with individuals and businesses donating funds and volunteer hours to complete the project. The Carillon is made possible through a tri-party agreement between the Naperville Park District, Millennium Carillon Foundation and the City of Naperville. This is only one example of many in Naperville's history where the community has come together to make something special happen. This community spirit really is an important part of Naperville’s culture.

What I've given you here is only a taste of what the Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower is all about. If you'd like more information, I invite you to visit www.napervilleparks.org or www.naperville-carillon.org. Tours of the Carillon are offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for only $3/person (children ages 4 and under are free) And, be sure to join us for one of the summer concerts this season. Pay us a visit, and suddenly the Carillon will be on your radar, too!