Jacob Hofeling named ASCU Student Carillonneur

Jacob Hofeling, a sophomore organ-performance student at Arizona State University, has been named the 2012-2013 Arizona State Credit Union Student Carillonneur. He received a $1,000 scholarship from Arizona State Credit Union.

Hofeling will perform during the year on the Symphonic Carillon, a gift to ASU from Associated Students of ASU in 1966. The carillon was rediscovered and removed from storage in 2002.

Hofeling, a graduate of Skyline High School, Mesa, has one major career goal: to be organist for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. “This is a dream I have had since I was very young,” Hofeling said.

He began his keyboard studies with piano teacher Roxie Owens when he was 8 years old in Show Low, Ariz. Hofeling now plays the organ for his local church congregation and gives piano lessons himself. He hopes to teach piano and organ at the college level.

Hofeling said his family roots are in northern Germany, where carillons were part of the daily life.

“In European towns like Hanover, the bells would ring out to announce the time of day, or celebrate weddings," he said. "Maybe my ancestors were married under the ringing of the carillon. I want to see that this part of my history continues forward to future generations.”