By Emily Hellewell
emilyh@newsroom.byu.edu
A familiar BYU holiday tradition will continue this Sunday, Dec. 2, despite lack of help from BYUSA.
Caroling at the carillon tower during December has been a tradition at BYU since 1975, said Don Cook, professor of music.
In the past, BYUSA has sponsored the caroling by setting up fire pits and providing hot chocolate, Cook said.
However, this year when Cook called to confirm the caroling, he said he was told that BYUSA would not be sponsoring the activity.
Ron Jones, a BYUSA coordinator, said BYUSA was concerned about the amount of employees, especially ground crew, who had to work on Sunday.
However, Cook said he was determined to see this tradition continue.
This is a great tradition that could easily die out, especially if no one demands it, he said.
There are odds stacked against the success of the caroling, Cook said.
There won't be much publicity and there won't be hot chocolate, he said. But it will be a joyful occasion.
'We don't have to do this,' Cook said. 'But even if 100 people come and enjoy this, it will be worth it.'
Cook said that he along with several students who are taking lessons will be playing the bells on Sunday evening.
This is an opportunity for students who play the carillon bells to have a chance to display what they have been practicing, Cook said.
Michaela Walker, 21, a junior from Freeport, Ill., majoring in electronic engineering technology, said she is excited to play the bells on Sunday.
'This is like our end of the semester recital,' she said.
Walker said she will be playing an arrangement of Joy to the World as well as other Christmas inspired songs.
Walker, who has been playing the carillon bells for three years, said singing carols after the First Christmas Devotional is a great way to find the spirit of the season.
Although students taking carillon lessons have the opportunity to play the bells throughout the year, this recital is the biggest, Walker said.
'It is a cool opportunity for students to sing along with the bells,' she said.
Walker said she understands why BYUSA decided not to sponsor the caroling this year.
In previous years, BYUSA has done so much to help this activity, Walker said. But many people had to work on Sunday.
'It is a luxury for us, but it is more important they rest on the Sabbath,' she said. 'I applaud their decision.'