Frederick Man Brings Joy Through Carillon Music

John Widmann has served as the city carillonneur for over 30 years, playing an 80-year-old instrument every Sunday.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Every Sunday from 12:30 to 1 p.m., John Widmann climbs inside a granite tower at the center of a Maryland city park and plays an 80-year-old carillon, an instrument of bells. Widmann has served as the city carillonneur for Frederick for more than 30 years, bringing joy to the community through his musical performances.

Why it matters

Carillons are a rare instrument, with only about 180 across the country. Widmann's dedication to playing the carillon for his community has helped preserve this unique musical tradition and brought a sense of harmony to the city of Frederick.

The details

Widmann discovered his role as the city carillonneur unexpectedly, finding a brass key and a misspelled envelope one day after the previous carillonneur moved away. After retiring as a public school teacher, Widmann moved to Belgium to study the instrument and earn his diploma at the Royal Carillon School. He now plays a variety of music, from classical pieces to the 'Star Wars' theme, using the carillon's 3,400-pound bells to create a unique sound that carries for blocks.

  • Every Sunday from 12:30 to 1 p.m., Widmann performs on the carillon.
  • Widmann has served as the city carillonneur for more than 30 years.

The players

John Widmann

The city carillonneur for Frederick, Maryland, who has played the 80-year-old carillon instrument for over 30 years.

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What they’re saying

“It's an instrument of bells played mechanically from a keyboard. And that would include dynamics, playing louder and softer, a keyboard of batons played with fists and pedals played with feet. And these are cup-shaped bells. And the bells don't swing, the clapper's pulled into the bell.”

— John Widmann, City Carillonneur (1011now.com)

“You need to feel when you're playing music, if you don't feel, the music won't reflect your feelings. So, I always try to think what the piece is about.”

— John Widmann, City Carillonneur (1011now.com)

“It's a bit of a rush and when you make a mistake, they're gonna hear it for blocks.”

— John Widmann, City Carillonneur (1011now.com)

What’s next

Widmann plans to continue playing the carillon every Sunday, bringing his unique musical talent to the Frederick community for years to come.

The takeaway

John Widmann's dedication to playing the carillon has helped preserve a rare and unique musical tradition, while also bringing a sense of harmony and joy to the city of Frederick. His passion for the instrument and commitment to his community serve as an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference through the power of music.