Instrumental

Chamber Orchestra 

Bethel's premier orchestral ensemble, directed by Brad Cawyer, provides challenging musical opportunities for the experienced student musician. The Bethel Chamber Orchestra performs two concerts per year and participates in Festival of Christmas, Classics in the Great Hall, collaborative and outreach events, and tours throughout the United States and overseas. Members may also have the opportunity to play in the pit orchestra for the January Mainstage Productions. The Chamber Orchestra is open, by audition, to strings, woodwinds, and brass. 

Philharmonic Orchestra

The Bethel Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Brad Cawyer, is a full symphonic orchestra and is open to members of all ages, both from Bethel (students, staff, faculty, and alumni) and the general public who share a passion for exploring great symphonic music in a meaningful, challenging, and supportive atmosphere. The Philharmonic rehearses once per week and performs one concert per semester. Members of the Philharmonic Orchestra are occasionally invited to perform in Bethel's annual music festivals, including Festival of Christmas and Classics in the Great Hall. Auditions are open at the beginning of the fall semester or by arrangement.

Wind Symphony

Bethel’s premier wind instrumental ensemble, directed by Ben Blasko, provides a challenging musical opportunity for the experienced instrumental musician. The Bethel Wind Symphony participates in all of Bethel’s major festivals and tours annually throughout the United States and every fourth year overseas. 

Rehearsal schedule
Mondays and Wednesdays: 4:20-5:50 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 4:05-5:40 p.m

Audition sign up 

Jazz Orchestra

The Bethel jazz orchestras, directed by Jason Harms, explore the unique American art form of jazz, performing pieces from the original repertoire of Ellington, Basie, Mingus, Gillespie, and others. Two jazz orchestras each rehearse once a week with performances including the annual spring concert, Jazz in the Great Hall, and Swingin' on the Egg.

Rehearsal schedule
"The 11:12" Jazz Orchestra—Mondays: 3:10-4:10 p.m.
"The 5:40" Jazz Orchestra—Mondays: 6-8:30 p.m.

Audition sign up

Handbell Ensemble

The Bethel Handbell Ensemble, directed by Deb Garvey, is open by audition—experience is helpful, but not required. The ensemble performs on five octaves of handbells and five octaves of handchimes. Opportunities to perform in trios and quartets are also available. The group regularly participates in Festival of Christmas and performs a concert each spring in Benson Great Hall.

Rehearsal schedule

Tuesdays: 6-9 p.m.

Audition sign up 

Chamber ensembles 

Bethel chamber ensembles are open to strings, winds, percussion, and piano, and provide an opportunity to develop musical, performance, collaborative, and communication skills at a highly nuanced level. Ensembles are typically small (2-5 players). Chamber ensembles receive private coaching with a faculty member once per week and are expected to lead a self-directed rehearsal together once per week at minimum. Performances are typically once per semester, but more performances may be arranged, if desired.  

Questions? 

Contact Brad Cawyer, director of string activities

Contact Ben Blasko, director of instrumental activities