Sophie Han '27
Oct 18, 2024
The sound of the carillon bells complements the environment of Mercersburg Academy introducing uniqueness and continuity to the campus. Towering above the chapel and behind the notes is James Brinson, the school’s organist and carillonneur and the director of chapel music program, who has spent more than twenty years as Mercersburg's musical accompanist.
“I grew up hearing carillon bells every Sunday at the church I attended as a child,” Brinson reflected. “But it never occurred to me that I could learn to play them. When I came to Mercersburg Academy, I reached out to Jim Smith, the retired music teacher who still played the carillon here. He started to teach me how to play, and that's how my journey with the carillon began.”
Before joining Mercersburg Academy, Brinson was a music teacher at a girls' school and the music director of a church in Memphis, Tennessee. He stated, “Some carillons are located in busy college campuses or city centers, where the noise drowns out the pure sound of the bells. Here, our carillon is surrounded by peace and tranquility, which allows the music to truly shine.”
“Our carillon is a truly exceptional one. It has fifty cast bronze bells, each carefully tuned to create a rich, resonant sound. It’s considered one of the best-built carillons in the entire country,” Brinson said, adding, “Many of my guests comment on how beautiful both the bells and the setting are. It’s one of those things that you just have to experience in person to truly appreciate.”
School minister William Whitmore, who works closely with Brinson, shared his thoughts: “This chapel wouldn’t be what it is today without Jim Brinson’s dedication over the past twenty years. He’s one of those rare people whose heart is evident in everything he does. His care extends beyond just the music—he thoughtfully selects pieces that reflect the students’ emotions and experiences, ensuring the music has meaning.”
Brinson explained, “Whether people consciously think about it or not, the sound of the bells resonates every Sunday. The carillon brings presence to the community, and marks the passage of time and continuity.”
Brinson recalled a heartwarming moment from years ago: “A senior, who was struggling, wrote me a heartfelt letter expressing how much the sound of the bells meant to him during a difficult time. It’s moments like these that remind me of the impact music can have.”