Giving grads the gift of music for 60 years
Wayne Detcher, 81, marks 60 years playing the electronic carillon at TMU graduation ceremonies. Hear his story.
It’s been music to our ears.
Since 1964, Wayne Detcher, 81, has been the man behind the music at TMU convocations.
And, this fall, ceremonies on Oct. 12 and 13 will mark 60 years that Detcher will have played the electronic carillon, a bell-like instrument, as a special part of graduates’ big day.
“I just love doing it,” he said. “I do it for the students.”
Detcher began giving his gift of music to graduates six decades ago, shortly after graduating from the electrical technology program at the institution in 1964.
The former church organist has played at every spring and fall convocation ever since - giving grads a special send-off for hundreds of ceremonies.
“I’ll often run into people who went to the university, and I’ll say, ‘When you graduated, do you remember the bells playing?’ And they’ll say, ‘Yes,” and I’ll say, ‘Well, that was me.’ And they’ll say, ‘Oh for goodness sake,” he said with a chuckle.
When asked about convocations that stand out in his mind over the years, he says one of the most memorable ceremonies he attended was when former Ontario Premier William (Bill) Davis was given the university’s first honorary degree.
The carillon over the years
When Detcher first began playing at the institution, he played on what he now fondly refers to as “the old girl” - the original carillon that was a gift from the alumni association, which he played at convocations for 50 years.
“I just couldn’t keep her going any longer,” he said.
So, 10 years ago, the university community fundraised to give him the electronic carillon he plays today.
“This one is strictly electronic, we have 318 bell (sounds) spread across six sets in here, and they’re stored on electronic chips. So, when I play a key, I’m playing the sound of that original bell,” he explained.
When asked if he had advice for grads convocating this fall, he shared words he’s more than lived by: “Always stay in touch with your university.”
To meet Detcher and hear his story, watch the video above.
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