Ensembles

Performance is a critical part of a musician's eduction.  Bethel University's Music Department offers a variety of ensembles including choral groups, jazz, percussion, wind, and technology.

Chamber Choir

Founded in 2013 by Dr. Brian E. Paulis, Bethel University’s Director of Choral Activities, the Bethel University Chamber Choir is a highly selective, auditioned vocal ensemble. Its membership is limited to sixteen choristers drawn from the University Singers. (Chamber Choir members must also be part of the University Singers although exceptions can be made on rare occasions.)

The ensemble was formed with the expressed intent to give gifted students an opportunity to sing great choral works from all genres and historical epochs---from Gregorian chant to the present day---acoustically with appropriate performance practices.  The ensemble sings as a part of BUS concerts and events in the fall, but presents its own concert in the spring, and this year will embark on a brief tour of the Southeastern USA.

Auditions for the Chamber Choir are held during the first days of academic Week 1 in fall and spring semesters. Singers must prepare an a cappella audition of a song from the standard vocal/choral repertoire. (No pop music). Your audition piece should reflect the best qualities of your voice as well as your vocal range. Results of the audition process are posted on Thursday of academic Week 1. If you desire to be challenged and expand your musical horizons, consider auditioning for the Bethel University Chamber Choir. 

Jazz Ensemble

The Bethel University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Keith Cottrill, is open to all Bethel University students who are interested in performing and learning about the many different styles of jazz music.  The Ensemble performs at various events both on and off campus.  Auditions are held prior to the start of each semester. 

Percussion Ensemble

The Bethel University Percussion Ensemble offers multiple opportunities for percussionists to hone their skills as a chamber musician and performing technician. Through this ensemble, students not only have the opportunity to perform works from Percussion Ensemble “founding fathers” such as John Cage, Lou Harrison, and Amadeo Roldán, but also music from a growing list of talented and emerging composers.  Under the direction of Dr. Joshua D. Smith, the Bethel University Percussion Ensemble performs annual concerts each semester on Bethel’s campus, and regularly engages in outside performances at venues and events such as the Discovery Park of America, PAS Tennessee State Day of Percussion and the Tennessee MENC convention. 

Symphonic Band

The Bethel University Symphonic Band, under the direction of Mr. Keith Cottrill and Dr. Joshua Smith, consists of a wide range of instrumentalists from Bethel's campus, and performs multiple concerts in the spring semester. While made up mostly of students that participate in the fall Wildcat Marching Band, the Bethel University Symphonic Band consistently challenges students' musicianship and performance skills in a large-ensemble setting.  

University singers

In its nearly 172 year history, music has always played a major role in campus and community life at Bethel University in McKenzie, TN.  A point of pride for the campus is the Bethel University Singers.

The University Singers members come from music majors as well as all disciplines across campus.  As part of the Division of Music at Bethel University, the University Singers provide a rich variety of musical experiences and opportunities. Every spring, the University Singers present a concert featuring major choral work(s) from every epoch, including such pieces as Schubert’s Mass in G, Orff’s Carmina Burana and others. Currently under the direction of Dr. Brian E. Paulis, the University Singers is committed to developing a rich heritage of choral repertoire.

Originally the Balladeers, then the Bethel College Chorale, the University Singers continue the tradition of musical excellence at Bethel University. The University Singers is a non-auditioned ensemble. All students are welcome to join.