The Denny Chimes

*Location:

   University of Alabama
   Main quadrangle
   University Boulevard West, between
     Colonial Drive and Sixth Avenue
   Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
   LL: N 33.20996, W 87.54634

Site locator map

*Player:

   Amir Zaheri, Assoc.Prof. of Composition
   250 Moody Music Building
   University of Alabama
   Tuscaloosa, AL  35487
   E: amir.zaheri@ua.edu

*Contact:

   Dr.Faythe Freese, Professor of Organ
   T: 205-348-3329
   E: ffreese@music.ua.edu
   University of Alabama
   Tuscaloosa, AL  35487
   - or -
   T: 205-348-6010   [switchboard]

*Schedule:

   (unknown)

*Remarks:

   Replaces an electronic device, which
   had replaced an 18-tube Deagan tower
   chime (UA/1) installed when the tower
   was built in 1929.

*Technical data:

   Electric-keyboard carillon of 25 bells
   Pitch of heaviest bell is G  in the middle octave
   Keyboard range:     ----  /    ----  
   Transposition is unknown
   The arrangement of tones and semitones is unknown.
   The whole instrument was installed in 1986
     with bells made by Eijsbouts        
   Auxiliary mechanisms: E     
   Tower details not available
   Year of latest technical information source is 1991

The UA Website opens with a large photo of the top of the iconic tower overlooking the quad.  It includes a chapter of the University Handbook, with a paragraph on the significance of the Denny Chimes as a University symbol.  A Campus Landmarks page has a photo showing the tower in context with the surrounding area; but some interesting links will crash some Web browsers.  A page on the standard campus tour provides a photo and a brief description; but some aspects of the history seem to be confused.  The full interactive campus map clearly shows the location of the tower (at I-10).

A news article (13 May 2026) announcing a Memorial Day concert has a photo of the tower.

The former tubular chime (UA/1) is described here.

Where this work lies in the sequence of output of the Eijsbouts bellfoundry, in this region and in the world.

Ranking among all North American non-traditional carillons by weight.
Ranking among all North American non-traditional carillons by size (number of bells).
Ranking among all North American non-traditional carillons by year of completion.

Index to all tower bell instruments in AL.
Index to all tower bell instruments in AL.

   This page was built from the database on 27-May-26
   based on textual data last updated on 2026/05/20
   and on technical data last updated on 2026/05/27