100 Bells

Clemson University helped ring in Upstate International Month when performing arts students played 18 different national anthems on the Clemson Memorial Carillon. The students played the anthems in coordination with other churches and institutions across the upstate as a part of Upstate International Month’s “100 Bells” kickoff event.

The event’s name honors the rich tradition of Greenville’s sister city of Bergamo, Italy. Even today, Bergamo rings the city bells 100 times every evening to mark the ancient curfew once held as the gates in the city walls were locked at night for safety.

The Clemson Carillon students, ranging from freshmen to graduate students from diverse majors, each played a national anthem from a different country. The countries represented include France, Germany, Poland, China, Cuba, Spain, Philippines, Italy, Mexico, India, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Turkey, Thailand, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States.