The College Choir represents nearly all disciplines on campus. Founded in February 1935 by Dr. Hagbard Brase to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Johann Sebastian Bach, the Bethany Choir has established a distinguished reputation. Since its first tour of the Midwest in 1937, the Choir has performed over 500 concerts in 29 states and five European countries, including its New York debut at Alice Tully Hall under Dr. Elmer Copley. Its sixth European tour took place in 2008. The choir has sung under the batons of John Rutter and Eskil Hemberg, has participated in master classes with Chanticleer and The Real Group, and recently performed in concert with renowned Swedish baritone Håkan Hagegård. During the school year, the choir is heard on campus in Jultide at Bethany, the musical offering that has become the beginning of the Christmas season for devoted audiences each December. The choir is also an integral part of the internationally-known Messiah Festival held each spring during Holy Week. The choir, whose members are selected by audition, sings sacred choral music from all historical periods and styles.

The Chamber Choir, an ensemble of 10-12 voices, performs a wide variety of secular music from traditional works to world music and vocal jazz. It is comprised of the most skilled members of the College Choir, Bethany’s largest auditioned choral ensemble. The Chamber Choir performs several times throughout the year on campus, as well as at off-campus college functions.

The Bethany College Symphonic Band is open to all students with interest and experience. It meets three times a week year-round, flexibly responding to students’ interests and abilities while rehearsing and performing diverse literature.

The Bethany College Jazz Ensemble performs a diverse array of music composed for the jazz ensemble. The ensemble gives several performances each year and features faculty and student soloists and combos. The group is also in demand for informal gigs in the Lindsborg area.

The “Blue Dozen Pep Band” is the traditional name for the Bethany College Pep Band. The “Blue Dozen” performs at school spirit functions, home football games, and selected basketball games in the Fall season. All Bethany College Symphonic Band members perform in the “Blue Dozen.”

The Bethany College Handbell Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble open to students across campus. The purpose of this ensemble is to learn and perfect ringing techniques, to improve ensemble playing, and to explore new and exciting repertoire.  The knowledge gained from this ensemble will help to prepare students to serve as handbell directors and ringers in their community. The group performs at the annual Jultide concert, the Christmas Vespers service, as well as area churches. 

The Bethany College Genesis Ringers is a companion group to the Bethany College Handbell Ensemble. Open to all students, particularly to students who have had little or no ringing experience, this group focuses on the varied techniques of handbell ringing and ensemble playing.  The group performs at chapel services and at the Bethany College Handbell Ensemble/Genesis Ringers concert in the spring.

The Bethany College / Lindsborg Community Orchestra is a full symphonic orchestra comprised of students, community members, and faculty. This group performs four concerts each year. Many of the orchestra members are members of the “Messiah” and “St. Matthew Passion” orchestra during the Messiah Festival of the Arts.

The chamber orchestra consists mainly of strings but is occasionally augmented by winds. This ensemble explores repertoire spanning several centuries and is expected to perform twice each year. Many opportunities for solo playing exist in this ensemble.

There are many varieties of chamber music available at Bethany College. Students play repertoire ranging from standard quartet literature to church music and even gig music. The possibility of earning money is a major incentive as well! Chamber groups are expected to rehearse on their own in preparation for a weekly coaching session by one of our faculty.