Concert Band

Symphonic Band, directed by Prof. Doug Talbott, is the largest wind, brass and percussion ensemble at Bethany College. Rehearsing three to four hours per week, the ensemble prepares for five annual concerts. Repertory includes works by composers from Arban through Zelenka, and includes musical genres such as the Concert March, Overture, Tone Poem, Symphony and Concerto. All are welcome in this group, although audition is required.

Jazz Band

The Bethany College Jazz Ensemble is directed by Prof. Doug Talbott. This group performs on campus several times a year and often tours to surrounding areas. The band performs the very best in jazz, rock and popular music within a concert framework. Many opportunities are provided for students who wish to perform improvised solos or who wish to write music for the jazz ensemble. The band has become a regular participant in the Wichita Jazz Festival.
 

Brass Ensemble

Bethany Brass, directed by Prof. Doug Talbott, is a medium sized brass ensemble which performs a substantial amount of early music, liturgical settings, classical transcriptions and twentieth century original works. The group performs frequent run-out concerts and church services throughout the Midwest and embarks on more lengthy tours during interterm on alternate years. Bethany Brass performs two full length concerts per year. Admission is by audition.

There are many varieties of chamber music available at Bethany College. The Bethany College String Quartet is the premiere string ensemble. Auditions are held the first week of classes each fall. This ensemble is the most highly visible string ensemble and some travel on weekends is required. Repertoire will cover standard quartet literature, church music and even gig music. The possibility of earning money is a major incentive as well! Chamber groups are expected to rehearse on their own in preparation for a weekly coaching session by one of our faculty.

Chamber Orchestra

The chamber orchestra consists mainly of strings but is occasionally augmented by winds. This ensemble explores repertoire spanning several centuries and is expected to perform twice each year. Many opportunities for solo playing exist in this ensemble.

Saxophone Quartet

The Saxophone Quartet is directed by Dr. David J. Higbee. This group plays at many functions throughout the year. Its repertoire is drawn from Classic saxophone literature to swing and pop music of today. Recently they performed at the Region 6 Convention of the World Saxophone Congress.

Instrumental Chamber Ensembles

A variety of small instrumental chamber ensembles are organized each semester. These ensembles allow to students to enjoy music making in a different way - developing playing and listening skills, and performing diverse styles of music composition. Experiencing music making in a small group is a special experience, but one that takes commitment.

The chamber ensembles are open to music majors and non-majors alike.

The chamber ensembles consists of weekly rehearsals/coachings with the expectations of outside practicing/rehearsals, and performance at arranged campus and possible off-campus performances.

Some of the ensembles include:

Piano Duo – there is a wealth of beautiful repertoire for one piano/four hands, or two piano/four hands!

Piano/Violin/Clarinet Trio – this is the third year of this group, which has several select pieces underway. We’re also adapting baroque music to this instrumentation.