Editing Carillion (section)

== V. Restoration ==




Due to age and neglect, the Carillon fell silent through the years. Though the tower remained firm and robust, the Holland-made bronze bells went out of tune and the clavier crumbled over time. It was during the Lantern Parade in 1988 that the Carillon was last heard. Since then, the tower had been used as a stockroom, an art studio, and other various purposes. Previous restorations fell short of the funds needed for a complete overhaul.

The U.P. Alumni Association [UPAA] thought of bringing back the "Bells of Diliman" in time for the University's Centennial Celebration in 2008. During the 92nd Alumni Homecoming in June 2005, the UPAA Board of Directors officially launched the U.P. Carillon Restoration Project.

The Projet Committee's main objectives included the following: [1.] to restore the campanile, the tower, and the surroundings, which involves technical evaluations, fund raising, actual repairs and replacements, and the landscaping of the immediate environs; and [2.] to institutionalize the Carillon's operation and maintenance. Aside from preserving the bells' musicality and the physical upkeep, the project included maintaining a scholarship to ensure the availability of a steady pool of well-trained carilloneurs. Below are some of the renovations and changes made<sup>4</sup>:

[[Image:Carillon 9.JPG|200px|thumb|left| U.P. Carillon in sad state of decay]]
[[Image:Carillon 10.JPG|200px|thumb|left| Proposed Renovations]]

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1. '''Clavier'''. The old clavier keyboard instrument was replaced with a new one made of oak wood and designed for heavy-duty performances.
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2. '''Computerized operation'''. In addition to manual playing of the clavier, it is now hooked-up to a master clock, a synthesizer, and a computer. This enables the bells to be played automatically at specific times of the day.
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[[Image:Carillon 12.JPG|150px|thumb|right| The Philippine Star Lifestyle.September 12, 2005]]
[[Image:Carillon 13.JPG|150px|thumb|rignt| Philippine Daily Inquirer. December 5, 2007]]
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3. '''Steel frames and other parts'''. The steel frames where the bells are suspended were refurbished. Other important parts such as clappers, cables and steel wires, turnbuckle nuts and bolts, spindle springs, and miscellaneous items were replaced.
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5. '''Tower structure'''. Both the inside and the outside walls of the Carillon tower, the flooring and other concrete structures were repaired, cleaned, and repainted.
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6. '''Landscaping'''. The areas that surround the Carillon tower were cleaned, grass and flowering plants will be placed in accordance with a well laid-out plan.
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7. '''Carillon Plaza'''. The outer surrounding areas encircling the Carillon tower were transformed into a flat amphitheater-like formation where concerts and musical performances could be held.
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Past minor repairs were also done in 1977 for the University's Silver Jubilee and in 1982 for the University's Diamond Jubilee.