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Welcome

What is the GCNA?

The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America is a volunteer-based organization all about the carillon. Founded in Ottawa, Ontario, in 1936, we have spent nearly a century helping people discover and love the art of the carillon. We support the development of our members and we encourage the building of new carillons, the improvement of existing ones, and the writing and distribution of carillon music.

Learn about us

What is a carillon?

A carillon is a musical instrument! Imagine a bell tower full of bells (at least 23 to be exact) which are each connected via wires to a large wooden console. The console has a keyboard, a pedal board, and a bench. By playing at this console, a "carillonneur" or "carillonist" can play all kinds of music. Carillons are found across North America and the world, often at common gathering spaces, like parks, schools, and churches.

Learn about carillons

Where do I fit in?

We are excited to have you here, no matter the reason you became interested in carillons. Whether you play them, make them, study them, or just like to listen to them, becoming a member of the GCNA is a worthwhile choice. We offer many benefits to membership, including discounts at our music store, access to our member database (where you can connect with likeminded carillon enthusiasts), access to our publications, and more.

Join us

Summer carillon recitals

The best way to listen to carillon music is live and in person! Did you know that there are close to 200 carillons across North America? Many carillons are played throughout the year, and many plan special recitals during the summer months. Check out this year's recital listings!

Can't make it to a carillon recital in person? Check out our online music listings to listen to carillon music from anywhere!

New carillon sheet music for sale

Check out the 20+ new items available now at the GCNA sheet music store, available in both hard copy and PDF formats! Members are eligible for a 10% discount (25% for those who are full-time students).

Spring 2025 issue of Carillon News

The spring 2025 issue of Carillon News has dropped! Print subscribers should monitor their mailboxes; everyone else can read online. In this issue, meet the Board candidates, and learn about Puerto Rican danzas.

2025 volume of the Bulletin

The 2025 volume of the Bulletin has dropped! Print subscribers should monitor their mailboxes; everyone else can read online. In this issue, read the report of the 2024 GCNA congress and learn about Serbian bell and carillon culture, among other new research.

Classified ads / job postings

We welcome classified advertisements regarding the sale or donation of items that may be of interest to GCNA members such as second-hand practice consoles, collections of sheet music, publications, recordings, etc. Employers are welcome to submit job postings for carillonneurs and related positions (including full-time or part-time, employee or contract positions). For more, visit the Classified Ads / Job Postings page.

Meet our members

Members: sign up to be featured here!

Not a member yet?

Join today!

Benefits include...

Discounts at our Music Store
Access to our publications
Listing in our Member Directory
And more!

Support the GCNA

In addition to donating directly, use our special link when shopping at Sheet Music Plus and a portion of your purchase will go to the GCNA!