Bethel Choir Sings National Anthem at Timberwolves Game
After the Bethel Choir sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the October 24 Minnesota Timberwolves game, Director of Choral Activities Merrin Guice Gill says it was an opportunity for students in the Bethel Choir to enjoy their time together and represent Bethel well.
By Jason Schoonover ’09, content specialist
October 31, 2022 | 12:30 p.m.
As 63 students with the Bethel Choir held the final note of the national anthem, the crowd at the Target Center roared with applause. “My favorite moment was the response from the crowd when we were done—very supportive,” says Director of Choral Activities Merrin Guice Gill.
The Bethel Choir sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the October 24 NBA game between the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves. Guice Gill says the performance went really well, and she thanked student leaders, Eli Santelman ’25 and Sydney Mitchell ’25.
The performance marks another step in a busy season for Bethel’s music program. In May, the Bethel Choir won two gold medals and multiple individual awards at the Lorenzo De’ Medici International Choral Festival in Florence, Italy. Through that success, the choir attained status as a gold medal choir, which opens up the choir for future competitions in Europe and reflects decades of success. But this performance served a different purpose. “This is more about fun and exposure, letting the students know that we can enjoy our time together and represent Bethel well,” Guice Gill says.
Next up, the Bethel Choir is preparing for one of its biggest annual performances. Festival of Christmas is slated for December 1-3 in Benson Great Hall.
The Bethel Choir performs “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the October 24 NBA game between the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Perform at Bethel.
Bethel’s Department of Music and Theatre is known for its commitment to excellence in teaching and the outstanding performance opportunities students receive both on campus and off. The Bethel Choir, Wind Symphony, and Chamber Orchestra tour extensively throughout the United States and abroad. The Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Register, Lucia Chorum, Jazz Orchestras, Handbell Ensemble, and string and wind chamber ensembles offer additional performance opportunities.