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Performance Groups
The Bethel College Music Department offers students many opportunities to be involved in music. All students may participate in ensembles, take private lessons or enroll in music courses. Opera, musicals, and a variety of string, wind, jazz and vocal ensembles provide students with a variety of exciting musical experiences. Learn how to apply for a scholarship in music or theater.
Choral Ensembles
Contact Person: William Eash
The Bethel College Choral Program is composed of three choirs. The Concert Choir, Bethel’s premiere choral ensemble, represents the college through its intensive and vigorous concert schedule. The Men’s Ensemble and Women’s Chorus perform literature drawn from both sacred and secular music. All three ensembles combine for the annual German Christmas program (Deutsche Weihnachten) and for annual performances of choral masterworks with the Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra.
The Bethel College Choral Program is composed of three choirs. The Concert Choir, Bethel’s premiere choral ensemble, represents the college through its intensive and vigorous concert schedule. The Men’s Ensemble and Women’s Chorus perform literature drawn from both sacred and secular music. All three ensembles combine for the annual German Christmas program (Deutsche Weihnachten) and for annual performances of choral masterworks with the Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra.
Jazz Ensembles
Contact Person: James Pisano
The jazz program at Bethel College boasts two big bands and various jazz combos. Jazz Ensemble I performs regularly at concerts and festivals during the school year and has received Superior ratings at the Wichita and University of Northern Colorado/Greeley Jazz Festivals.
The jazz program at Bethel College boasts two big bands and various jazz combos. Jazz Ensemble I performs regularly at concerts and festivals during the school year and has received Superior ratings at the Wichita and University of Northern Colorado/Greeley Jazz Festivals.
The Bethel Chamber Orchestra and Wind Ensemble
Contact Person: Timothy Shade
These two ensembles, composed of string, wind and percussion students, perform a wide variety of music from the baroque era to newly composed world premieres. In addition to regular season concerts, the chamber orchestra also serves as the orchestra for Bethel’s opera productions and for the annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah.
These two ensembles, composed of string, wind and percussion students, perform a wide variety of music from the baroque era to newly composed world premieres. In addition to regular season concerts, the chamber orchestra also serves as the orchestra for Bethel’s opera productions and for the annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah.
Private Lessons and Pedagogy Opportunities
Contact Person: Karen Bauman Schlabaugh
Bethel College offers private instruction in piano, organ, voice and all wind, string and percussion instruments. Additionally, a cooperative program in piano pedagogy gives pianists a unique and valuable opportunity for concentrated study. All students engaged in private study are occasionally invited to become paid apprentice instructors in the Bethel College Academy for the Performing Arts, where they are mentored by (receive mentorship from) college faculty. More than 200 community students participate in BCAPA’s programs, which include private lessons, a Suzuki violin program, dance and pre-school music.
Bethel College offers private instruction in piano, organ, voice and all wind, string and percussion instruments. Additionally, a cooperative program in piano pedagogy gives pianists a unique and valuable opportunity for concentrated study. All students engaged in private study are occasionally invited to become paid apprentice instructors in the Bethel College Academy for the Performing Arts, where they are mentored by (receive mentorship from) college faculty. More than 200 community students participate in BCAPA’s programs, which include private lessons, a Suzuki violin program, dance and pre-school music.
Musical Theater and Opera
Contact Person: William Eash
The Departments of Music and Theater cooperate in an annual musical production. This annual production alternates between an opera and a musical. These fully staged productions are sung in English and are accompanied by members of the chamber orchestra.
The Departments of Music and Theater cooperate in an annual musical production. This annual production alternates between an opera and a musical. These fully staged productions are sung in English and are accompanied by members of the chamber orchestra.
Chamber Music
Contact Person: Timothy Shade
Proficient vocalists and instrumentalists may participate in chamber music, Camerata Musica. These ensembles are coached by Bethel College music faculty. These Camerata Musica ensembles perform in departmental recitals and occasionally on tour.
Proficient vocalists and instrumentalists may participate in chamber music, Camerata Musica. These ensembles are coached by Bethel College music faculty. These Camerata Musica ensembles perform in departmental recitals and occasionally on tour.
The Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra
Contact Person: Timothy Shade
Advanced instrumentalists at Bethel College may be invited to participate in the Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra. This orchestra combines musicians from the college, the Newton community and other communities across the state of Kansas. The NMKSO recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Advanced instrumentalists at Bethel College may be invited to participate in the Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra. This orchestra combines musicians from the college, the Newton community and other communities across the state of Kansas. The NMKSO recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.