Performing & Visual Arts

Music and Performing Arts Auditions

Date	Friday, August 28 - Saturday, September 5, 2026
Location	See individual sign-ups for location information - View maps and directions Bethel University 3900 Bethel Dr St Paul MN 55112

Event Description

Current and incoming students

We hope you will continue your music and theatre activities during your time at Bethel. Our Music and Performing Arts Department offers many varied opportunities to get involved. From band, orchestra, and choirs; to plays, musical theatre, and opera; to trying something new like guitar, handbells, or pipe organ–we beleive that there is a place for all students in our community.

We desire our performing arts community to be one where Christ is honored in all we do, from the practice room to the final encore. We aspire for our community to reflect the diversity and unity of the Kingdom of God, "that together [we] may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Corinthians 10:31; Romans 15:5-6)

Please consider getting involved in one of the following performance opportunities by signing up for auditions taking place August 28-September 5. See individual sign-ups for detailed schedules.

Chamber Orchestra

Director: Dr. Brad Cawyer, b-cawyer@bethel.edu
Rehearsal schedule: Monday–Thursday, 4:20-5:50 p.m.

Philharmonic Orchestra

Director: Dr. Brad Cawyer, b-cawyer@bethel.edu
Rehearsal schedule: Monday, 7-10 p.m.

Wind Symphony (Band)

Director: Dr. Kathryn Wert, voekat@bethel.edu
Rehearsal schedule: Monday and Wednesday, 4:20-5:50 p.m; Tuesday and Thursday, 4:05-5:40 p.m.

Bethel Choir (SATB)

Director: Dr. Merrin Guice Gill, meg25835@bethel.edu
Rehearsal schedule: Monday–Friday, 4:20-5:30 p.m.

Lucia Chorum (SSAA)

Director: Brad Beale, beale@bethel.edu
Rehearsal schedule: Tuesday and Thursday, 4:10-5:50 p.m; Wednesday, 4:20-5:30 p.m.

Royal Register (TTBB)

Director: Brad Beale, beale@bethel.edu
Rehearsal schedule: Monday and Wednesday, 6-8 p.m; Wednesday, 4:20-5:30 p.m.

Festival Choir (SATB)

Festival Choir joins with other music ensembles to perform in two large "festival" productions each year. This year, Festival Choir will perform in Bethel's 70th annual Festival of Christmas December. 3-5, and in a large-scale production of Verdi's Requiem on May 7, 2027.

Director: Dr. Merrin Guice Gill, meg25835@bethel.edu
Rehearsal schedule: Wednesday: 4:20-5:30 p.m.

Jazz Orchestra (Jazz Band)

Director: Jason Harms, j-harms@bethel.edu
Rehearsal schedule:

"The Early" Jazz Orchestra: Tuesday, 1:20-2:10 p.m.
"The Late" Jazz Orchestra: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m.

Handbell Ensemble

Director: Deb Garvey, deg45454@bethel.edu
Rehearsal schedule: Tuesday, 6:15-8 p.m.

Fall Play–TBA SOON

Director: Glenn Morehouse Olson, olsgle@bethel.edu
Rehearsal schedule: Monday-Friday: 6-9 p.m.

Performances: October 15-18 and 22-25, 2026

Opera Production–La Esmeralda: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (A United States Premiere!)

The 2027 mainstage production will be the opera, La Esmeralda. This show is one of the earliest stage adaptions of Victor Hugo's classic novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, premiering just five years after the novel's publication. The music of this opera was composed by a woman, Louise Bertin, and the text was adapted by Victor Hugo himself. After premiering in 1836, in a time when female composers were not seriously regarded in the professional music scene, this beautiful opera remained largely unknown until being recently rediscovered nearly two centuries later. Bethel's production will be the first time it has been performed on stage in the United States!* Come be a part of this historical production!

Director: Glenn Morehouse Olson, olsgle@bethel.edu
Conductor: Dr. Brad Cawyer, b-cawyer@bethel.edu
Chorus Master: Dr. Merrin Guice Gill, meg25835@bethel.edu

Rehearsal schedule: Monday–Friday throughout January Session, specific schedule varies by role

Performances: February 4-7, 2027

Sign up to audition for the chorus of The Hunchback of Notre Dame - check back soon for link to Fall 2026 sign-up list!

* according to available information

Musical Theatre Scenes Show

The spring scenes show is a showcase performance of musical theatre scenes. Each selection is prepared and performed by a small group of performers directed by a faculty or student director. Students have the opportunity to perform, direct, or even choreograph scenes. Open by audition.

Artistic Director: Dr. Kathryn Wert, voekat@bethel.edu
Rehearsal schedule: Varies by scene and role

Performance: Saturday, May 15, 2027

Student production teams

All of Bethel's theatrical productions are supported by a crew of student stagehands, lighting and audio technicians, costume and set build assistants, choreographers, and production assistants.

As of July 8th, 2026, there is an opening for a paid student position,"Conference and Events AV Tech," click here for more information or to apply.

Private and class lessons

Weekly private lessons are open to all students, beginner to advanced, no audition required. Lessons can be taken in over 20 musical disciplines including voice, wind, string, percussion, and keyboard instruments, as well as drum kit, pipe organ, and even music composition! Beginner classes in acting, piano, voice, and guitar are also offered. Continue to study, learn a new instrument, or take acting lessons in a group setting!

Private Lessons: Register for private lessons
Class Lessons: Contact Lydia Shull at music@bethel.edu to learn how to register online

Questions?

Email Music and Performing Arts Office Coordinator Lydia Shull at music@bethel.edu or stop by our table in Info Central during Welcome Week!

Full Calendar