GVSU names new carillonneur for iconic towers

Grand Valley is welcoming a new carillonneur who will ensure the bells in the two iconic towers GVSU boasts regularly ring out with music for Lakers' "daily commute" across the campuses.

Jon Lehrer will assume the primary role of performing on the Cook Carillon Tower on the Valley Campus in Allendale and the Beckering Family Carillon Tower on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, part of the City Campus. Lehrer already has familiarity with notable university carillons, as he also serves as the carillonist for Michigan State University's Beaumont Tower.

Lehrer was introduced to GVSU during a June 10 celebration at the Cook Carillon Tower, which recently marked its 30th anniversary.

President Philomena V. Mantella said Lehrer "was once a data scientist and cancer researcher, but now focuses on creating moments of beauty for busy university communities, advancing the art of the carillon and instructing the next generation of carillonneurs.

"Jon brings a passion for the carillon and a creative spirit that will enrich our campus in new and dynamic ways," Mantella said. "We look forward to hearing his artistry ring out across campus and deepen our connection to this treasured tradition."

The position is supported by the Kindschi University Carillonneur Endowment that was established by a lead gift from Doug and Barbara Kindschi. Barbara Kindschi said she was inspired to learn how to play carillon and took several lessons in Ann Arbor in 1994, leading to her playing holiday music shortly after the Cook Carillon Tower was dedicated.

"From that day on for 10 years, I found great joy as a volunteer carillonneur, performing weekly, for special events and in summer concerts," Kindschi said. "Although I have not played carillon since 2005, my love for musical bells remains. This has resulted in our lead contribution to an endowed University Carillonneur position."

MORE: Timeless: For 30 years, the Cook Carillon Tower has been at the center of Laker Life

Lehrer has about 20 years of extensive, award-winning carillon performance experience throughout North America and abroad, including more than 500 solo performances in concert series. He is also involved with organizations and other efforts to advance carillon art.

"I value innovation, experimentation and teaching/learning through experience, and GVSU has that same spirit in both word and deed," Lehrer said. "I'm looking forward to adding some beauty and fun to our daily 'commutes,' teaching and learning from students, looking for the unique collaborative opportunities on this campus and creating events that people love. With a talented and supportive community dedicated to building a bright future, I see some amazing possibilities here."

The vision for GVSU's carillons came from President Emeritus Arend D. Lubbers, who was honored during the June 10 celebration for that foresight and the resulting imprint on the fabric of GVSU.

"The appointment of Jon Lehrer as the carillonneur at Grand Valley will lead to the university being a national leader in carillon education and performance," Lubbers said.