Music

Music

Music

The Department of Music has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1935.

This rich tradition of musical excellence remains strong and vibrant to this very day.


 A large number of students, both music majors and nonmajors participate in campus music ensembles, lessons, and classes. Large choral and instrumental ensembles tour both regionally and internationally, and a variety of large and small ensembles enable students of all levels of ability to develop their musical skills, find personal enjoyment, and become part of Bethany’s close musical community.


As members of the Bethany Oratorio Society, students join in the tradition of performing Handel's "Messiah" during Holy Week- a tradition that dates back to 1882, making Bethany Oratorio Society the longest running annual performance of Handel’s Messiah in North America.

The Department of Music has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1935.

This rich tradition of musical excellence remains strong and vibrant to this very day.


 A large number of students, both music majors and nonmajors participate in campus music ensembles, lessons, and classes. Large choral and instrumental ensembles tour both regionally and internationally, and a variety of large and small ensembles enable students of all levels of ability to develop their musical skills, find personal enjoyment, and become part of Bethany’s close musical community.


As members of the Bethany Oratorio Society, students join in the tradition of performing Handel's "Messiah" during Holy Week- a tradition that dates back to 1882, making Bethany Oratorio Society the longest running annual performance of Handel’s Messiah in North America.

Music Faculty

Daniel Masterson, D.M.A.

Professor or Music

Chair of the Music Department

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Shaun Day, D.M.A.

Assistant Professor of Music

Director of Instrumental Studies

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Troy Robertson, D.M.A.

Assistant Professor of Music
& Director of Choral Activities

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Leslie Mangrum, M.M.

Assistant Professor of Music

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Majors & Minors

The mission of the Bethany College Music Department is to nurture, challenge and guide developing musicians, to train the future educators for both classroom and studio areas, and to provide performance opportunities for students, faculty, and community members. In addition, we strive to educate and engage audience members in the central Kansas region and beyond.

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Majors

  • Music
  • Music Performance
  • Music / Instrumental Music Teaching PreK-12
  • Music / Vocal Music Teaching PreK-12
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Minors

The Music Department offers competitive scholarships for both music majors and non-majors who are involved in the music program.


To be considered for a music scholarship, schedule your audition and review the audition requirements.

SCHEDULE A VISIT REQUEST INFORMATION

Majors & Minors

The mission of the Bethany College Music Department is to nurture, challenge and guide developing musicians, to train the future educators for both classroom and studio areas, and to provide performance opportunities for students, faculty, and community members. In addition, we strive to educate and engage audience members in the central Kansas region and beyond.

bc2021_arrows

Majors

  • Music
  • Music Performance
  • Music / Instrumental Music Teaching PreK-12
  • Music / Vocal Music Teaching PreK-12
bc2021_arrows

Minors

For information about specific courses related to these majors, check the College Catalog.

The Music Department offers competitive scholarships for both music majors and non-majors who are involved in the music program.


To be considered for a music scholarship, schedule your audition and review the audition requirements.

SCHEDULE A VISIT REQUEST INFORMATION

For information about specific courses related to these majors, check the College Catalog.

Ensembles  

Bethany College has many ensembles to choose from. Join as a beginner or audition for a more selective group, we welcome musicians of all levels and all majors!

Ensembles

Bethany College has many ensembles to choose from. Join as a beginner or audition for a more selective group, we welcome musicians of all levels and all majors!

Choirs

  • College Choir

    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.

  • Chamber Choir

    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.

Bands

  • Symphonic Band

    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.

  • Jazz Ensemble

    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.

  • Blue Dozen Pep Band

    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.”

Handbells

  • Bethany College Handbell Ensemble

    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. 

  • Genesis Ringers

    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.

Orchestras

  • Bethany College / Lindsborg Community Orchestra

    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.

  • Chamber Orchestra

    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.

  • Chamber Music Groups

    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.

Choirs

  • College Choir

    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.

  • Chamber Choir

    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.

Bands

  • Symphonic Band

    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.

  • Jazz Ensemble

    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.

  • Blue Dozen Pep Band

    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.”

Handbells

  • Bethany College Handbell Ensemble

    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. 

  • Genesis Ringers

    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.

Orchestras

  • Bethany College / Lindsborg Community Orchestra

    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.

  • Chamber Orchestra

    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.

  • Chamber Music Groups

    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.

Catch up on the latest from the Music Department

Real Men Sing 2025

February 10, 2025

Bethany Oratorio Society Announces 2025 Messiah Festival of the Arts Soloists

February 10, 2025
LINDSBORG, KAN., FEB. 5, 2025 — The Bethany Oratorio Society is excited to announce the soloists for the 2025 Messiah Festival of the Arts. Since its founding in 1882, the Oratorio Society has performed Bach’s The Passion According to St. Matthew and Handel’s Messiah every year, and this year’s festival promises another spectacular celebration of these works. Featured soloists for this year’s performances include Claire Herzog, coloratura soprano; Michelle Rice, soprano; Maxwell Ary, tenor; and Ian Schipper, bass-baritone. These talented artists will bring their expertise and passion to the stage in performances of The Passion According to St. Matthew and the Messiah.  Additionally, these soloists will perform a free recital at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025 , at Messiah Lutheran Church on the campus of Bethany College. They will also perform at the ticketed events: The Passion According to St. Matthew at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11, and Handel’s Messiah at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, in Presser Hall Auditorium. Tickets for these performances can be purchased at messiahfestival.org or by calling Bethany College at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8235, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Claire Herzog, Coloratura Soprano A versatile coloratura soprano from Springfield, Missouri, Claire Herzog is equally passionate about teaching and performing. She has appeared in operatic roles with the Ozarks Lyric Opera and is an active performer with various choral groups. Herzog holds degrees from Missouri State University and is currently on the vocal music faculty at Evangel University. In addition to her vocal expertise, she enjoys composing and collaborating with other musicians, with recent projects including an album of original songs and Heart on the Wall performances with the Missouri Philharmonic Orchestra. Michelle Rice, Soprano Praised for her “tones of pure gold” (Washington Post), Michelle Rice brings a rich timbre and intense performance to the stage. Throughout her career, Rice has performed a wide range of roles, including Brangäne in Tristan und Isolde and Mrs. Grose in The Turn of the Screw. As the Artistic Director of Seven Sisters Productions, she has premiered new works, including the opera The Queen, My Lord, Is Dead. Rice’s performances span opera, concert, and recital, and she has sung with major ensembles across the U.S., including the Berkeley Symphony and Washington Concert Opera. Maxwell Ary, Tenor A versatile performer and educator based in San Francisco, Maxwell Ary is renowned for his wide-ranging voice, which spans genres from classical to jazz, musical theatre, and pop. Ary, who teaches at the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts, has performed with prestigious ensembles, including Seraphic Fire and Voces8. He has appeared in operas such as The Rake’s Progress, L’elisir d’amore, and recently performed in the baroque opera La Flora with Ars Minerva. Ary’s 2025 performance schedule includes Lamplighters Musical Theater and Pocket Opera engagements. Ian Schipper, Bass-Baritone A dynamic performer known for his commitment to classical and contemporary music, Ian Schipper has appeared in operas such as Die Zauberflöte and Cosi fan tutte. He has sung in choral groups across the U.S., including the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Schipper is also passionate about new music and has collaborated with composers through his work with St. Olaf College’s Spiritus Novus. He recently performed the role of Cardinal Rottweiler in the world premiere of The Grand Hotel Tartarus. Join us for these unforgettable performances as these talented soloists join the Bethany Oratorio Society in bringing two of the most cherished works in the choral repertoire to life. For more information, including ticket purchases, please visit messiahfestival.org . Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is online at bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
Bethany College Hosts Over 500 Young Men for

Bethany College Hosts Over 500 Young Men for "Real Men Sing" Vocal Workshop

January 30, 2025
Bethany College hosted over 500 young men from nearly 40 schools across Kansas on Jan. 30 for the annual Real Men Sing vocal workshop. This celebrated event provides an inspiring opportunity for students in grades 4-12 to explore choral music in a supportive, all-male setting, fostering confidence, camaraderie, and a love for singing.

BETHANY COLLEGE MUSIC DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES SPRING 2025 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

January 24, 2025
This semester, the department continues its tradition of offering a wide variety of performances, from student and faculty recitals to large-scale ensemble concerts. These events provide opportunities for the Lindsborg community and surrounding areas to experience the vibrant cultural and artistic contributions of the college.
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