Music and theatre at Bethel are open to all students—no matter your major. Join us!

Perks for Bethel Performers

• Perform in the marvelous acoustics of the Benson Great Hall, one of the best performance facilities in the Twin Cities.
• Participate in all major musical festivals, including Festival of Christmas and the Classics in the Great Hall concert.
• Some music groups tour annually. You might have the opportunity to see the country and even travel overseas.
• Get discounted or free tickets to Bethel music and theatre performances and priority ticketing for Festival of Christmas, Jazz in the Great Hall, and Classics in the Great Hall concerts.

Q: Can I play and sing and act?

A: In some cases...

• Theatre and music rehearsals generally do not conflict, but performance dates sometimes do. Always check your calendar for possible conflicts.
• The Bethel Choir rehearses at the same time as the Wind Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, so double participation is considered only on an individual basis.
• The rehearsal schedule allows wind players to participate in both the Wind Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, and/or Philharmonic Community Orchestra.
• It’s possible to participate in a jazz or chamber ensemble and a major performing group—even on a different instrument.

Rehearsal Schedules

Theatre Productions
M-F evenings for six to seven weeks; specific schedule given at the first rehearsal

Bethel Choir
Monday & Wednesday: 4:10-5:30 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday: 3:50-5:30 p.m.

Lucia Chorum
Tuesday & Thursday: 3:50-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 4:10-5:30 p.m.

Royal Register
Monday & Wednesday: 6-8 p.m.
Wednesday: 4:10-5:30 p.m.

Singing Royals (Vocal Chamber Ensemble)
Rehearsals TBA

Festival Choir (all auditioned choirs)
Wednesday: 4:10-5:30 p.m.

Wind Symphony
Monday: 4:10-5:30 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday: 3:50-5:30 p.m. 

Chamber Orchestra
Tuesday & Thursday: 3:50-5:30 p.m. (strings)
Wednesday: 4:10-5:50 p.m. (full orchestra)

Philharmonic Community Orchestra
Monday: 7-10 p.m.

Jazz Orchestras
Tuesday & Thursday: 11:15-12:05 p.m. (11:12 Jazz Orchestra)
Tuesday & Thursday: 5:40-6:50 p.m. (5:40 Jazz Orchestra)

Handbell Ensemble
Tuesday: 6:15-8 p.m.

Chamber Winds & Chamber Ensembles
Rehearsals TBA

Audition Information

Schedule a placement audition during Welcome Week for any of the major groups. 

For choral groups: Sign up for a choral audition time online. Bring an art song (contest-type) excerpt or a hymn, limited to 1.5 minutes in length, for your audition. Sight reading will also be assessed. An independent personal warm-up before your audition is expected. Accompaniment will be provided.

For instrumental groups:
Band auditions for Fall 2022 will be via submitted video auditions. Complete the Fall 2022 Band Audition Form for detailed audition information. Audition submissions are due by Sunday, August 28, at 11:00 p.m.

Orchestra auditions for Fall 2022 will be in person for new students. Returning students have the option to submit a recorded audition. Complete information regarding auditions is on the Fall 2022 Chamber Orchestra Audition Form.

Contact Jason Harms for Jazz Orchestra information and an audition time.

Sign up for a Handbell Ensemble audition online. Contact Kevin Shull if you have any questions.

For theatre productions: Auditions are open to all Bethel students. Check the Callboard across from the Bethel Theatre (CC108) for specific instructions and to sign up for an audition time. Students are usually asked to read from a script with another actor. For musical theater, prepare a show tune. You may also learn a short dance combination.