Renovation has begun in preparation for the installation of a 56-bell carillon in the tower of the Draper Building on Berea College's campus. Initial reconstruction of the tower area to accommodate the musical instrument is scheduled to take about four weeks. Installation of the bellframe, striking mechanism, bells and keyboard, is planned to begin the last week of June and is expected to take approximately one month. Before the bells are raised into the tower, there will be a traditional "blessing of the bells."

The carillon, an instrument consisting of bells that can be played like a piano or organ, will have a range of three-and-a-half octaves. Unlike the 10-bell chime in the tower of Phelps-Stokes Chapel, the carillon will have the capability of playing works in full melody and harmony.

When completed, the carillon will be used to instruct students and serve as a performing instrument. John Courter, a member of the College's music faculty, is an internationally known carilloneur and composer for the instrument