Jacob Hofeling named student carillonneur 3 years in a row

Jacob Hofeling, a senior organ performance major in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, has been named the Arizona State Credit Union Student Carillonneur for the third year in a row.

He will receive a $1,000 scholarship from Arizona State Credit Union for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Hofeling will present three concerts on Arizona State University's 258-bell Symphonic Carillon during the academic year.

“Arizona State Credit Union has been a proud sponsor of the Carillon Society for many years, and we have awarded Jacob with the Student Carillonneur Scholarship three years in a row,” said Brandon Teichert, manager of the ASU branch.

“We are pleased to award such a talented and well-rounded student with the scholarship; especially someone so engrained in the fabric of the Herberger Institute and the Carillon Society. On behalf of the Credit Union I’d like to congratulate Jacob and thank the Carillon Society for such a wonderful partnership.”

Hofeling, who plans to earn a graduate degree in organ performance, has written music for the carillon in addition to giving solo performances. He also has combined carillon music with synthesized music using computer software.

“The carillon is a fascinating instrument, and its complexities amaze me. I've learned so much about improvisation with certain limitations that make it an exciting experience,” Hofeling said.

“Certain combinations of notes don't sound as good on the carillon as they would, say, on a piano and vice versa. The carillon really brings out interesting colors of tones and textures. It has been a great journey to hear the versatility and flexibility of this fantastic instrument.”

Hofeling said that as the Arizona State Credit Union Student Carillonneur, he has most enjoyed being able to compose and perform his own pieces.

“It has long been a hobby of mine to synthesize and to create my own sounds and compositions using computer software. It's been fun to hear how well the carillon really works with this technology. It's like a combination of the past with the present, and it works surprisingly well.”

Hofeling’s dream is to be an organist for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and play “the amazing Salt Lake Tabernacle organ.”

He added, “I love music and plan for it to be a part of the rest of my life.”

The Symphonic Carillon was a gift from Associated Students of ASU to the university in 1966. For more information, go to www.asu.edu/carillon, or send an e-mail to carillon@asu.edu.