Carillon concert features patriotic songs, folk tunes

James Welch will present a free program of music for the Fourth of July from 2 to 3 p.m. on the carillon bells of Hoover Tower. Included will be a medley of patriotic songs and arrangements of familiar American folk tunes.

Welch, a Palo Alto resident, received his doctorate in music at Stanford. While a graduate student, he had his first lessons on the Hoover Tower carillon with James Angell, who was a professor of electrical engineering and university carillonneur from 1960 to 1991.

After graduating from Stanford, Welch served for 15 years as university organist and carillonneur at the University of California-Santa Barbara, which has one of the largest carillons in the western United States. He now is on the music faculty at Santa Clara University and plays the organ for three Palo Alto churches.

From 2000 to 2002, the Hoover Tower carillon underwent refurbishing and expansion, resulting in a four-octave carillon of 48 bells. Although the carillon can be heard across campus, the sound is best in the vicinity of the tower.

The observation platform at the top of the tower will not be open July 4.

For information call 856-9700 or e-mail info@welchorganist.com.