Editing Carillion (section)

== IV. Symbolisms and Struggles ==



<b>Loyalty and Connection Between Generations</b>

Since it was the alumni association who mainly contributed in the construction of the Carillon, it was established that the tower symbolizes the alumni spirit of love and loyalty for the university. As said by Juan Nakpil, the Carillon will serve as the emotional and spiritual link between the students, faculty, and alumni of the succeeding generations. He also added, “It will be a voice speaking to us [in] the midst of our campus – not from a distance.”



<b>Extravagance</b>

Though UP Carillon has been a symbol for alumni’s labor of love, it did not escape criticisms regarding its formation and structure. During the time of its construction, the state university was also suffering from an immense financial difficulty brought about by the war. Because of this, some sectors of the university objected to the formation of the Carillon, calling it a symbol of extravagance instead of loyalty. They contested that the money spent for its construction should have been allotted in solving the monetary problems that plagued the university. 

In response to this, the editor of the Philippine Collegian during that time wrote: “We do not look at it that way. To us, the Carillon is a gift of the alumni and is symbolic of their regard to the Alma Mater. To us, the Memorial Campanile is the expression of their loyalty to the cause of education which the University is dedicated. That to us is the Carillon. If loyalty ever be a luxury then the Carillon and all that it stands for is luxury, indeed.”

Most of the University Officials believed that the Carillon symbolizes very important ideas and concepts that are priceless and are worthy of the enormous amount spent for its construction.



<b>Being Tilted</b>

The Carillon became sparked interest not only because of its opulence but also because of the assumption that the structure is tilted. During that time, students of the university hoped to have another leaning tower like that of the Pisa in Italy. However, a study made by a group of engineering professors proved that it was just an optical illusion. It was only after this study that all the clamor ceased. 



<b>Out of Tune</b>

Aside from the fact that the bells are tuned in chromatic intervals and have a range of three or more octaves, the overtones and the harmonics produced by the bells are also arranged in an order quite different from those given by the strings or by an organ. Because of these factors, listeners who are not familiar with the Carillon would think that our bells are out of tune.

Defending the Carillon, Arthur L. Bigelow said, “In contrast to other producers of musical tone, endowed by nature with a major third, the third of the bell is minor. It is this particular overtone which gives to the bell its plaintive note, so characteristic and so distinctive from all other instruments.”

Truly, before one can fully appreciate the music of the Carillon, he must first learn to distinguish the humtones from the overtones. As what Prof Antonisse has said in one of his lectures, “You just don’t take Carillon Music. It is entirely different from other forms of music.”


<b>Timelessness and Identity</b>

This all being said, the Carillon stands tall and proud to this day. Despite the criticisms and calamities that it has seen throughout the years, the its legacy (and that of the alumni who have contributed to its building and rehabilitation) lives on. The Carillon tower is a permanent landmark and is arguably as "UP" as the other famous spots within the campus--thereby securing its place in history and identity of the university.