Music @ Bethany
Excellence in music has always been a tradition at Bethany Lutheran Church. Our music is designed to enrich the worship experience and the lives of those who give and receive the gift of music. Our directors and musicians share a talent and energy that have forged a high quality music program.
New members are always welcome!
Cherub Choir, Ages 3 – 5
The Cherub Choir gives children an introduction to the church choir experience. Children are invited to discover & learn to use their voices in a choir. They sing in church once a month. LeEtta Choi, Director
Carolers Choir, Kindergarten – 1st
Students continue their musical education by participating in worship once a month and in special programs and services, including the Christmas season and Palm Sunday. Pat Guittar, Director of Children’s Choirs, Director
Jubilation Singers, 2nd – 6th Grade
Children in this choir develop advanced musical skills, adding harmony to their anthems. They sing once a month in church, and participate in musicals, day trips, and special festival services and programs. Pat Guittar, Director of Children’s Choirs, Director
Youth Choir, 6th – 12th Grade
Middle and high school are invited to sing in a choir that will lead worship on Wednesday evenings once a month. Zach Rodasti, Director
Chancel Choir
The sixty-voice Chancel Choir sings Sundays at either the 9 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. services, presenting literature from the classics to contemporary, spirituals and gospel songs. The choir usually presents at least one major concert each season, and participate in various special services, including Christmas Eve and Good Friday. Dr. Daniel Grace, Director
Men’s and Women’s Ensemble
These ensembles sing at worship and various social activities. Quartets, trios, and other small mixed ensembles are also frequently formed. Interested singers should contact the director for more information. Dr. Daniel Grace, Director
Contemporary Choir
This ensemble presents contemporary Christian music during Sunday services service once a month, and regularly at Worship on Wednesday’s (WOW). Paula Wills, Director
Soloists
Bethany is blessed with many talented musicians who regularly share their gifts with the congregation. If you are interested in sharing your talents as a soloist, please contact the music office.
Carillons
This bell choir is for adults who have some musical experience. The choir plays regularly and special worship services during Advent and Lent. Please contact the director if you are interested in joining. Lisa Lewis, Director
reBellion
This bell choir is for Middle and highschoolers. Previous handbell experience is preferred but not required. The choir plays for worship multiple times during the year. Lisa Lewis, Director
Alpha Ringers
Offered to 3rd through 6th grade children, this group of bell ringers learns the fundamentals of ringing bells and who desire to learn a musical instrument. Alex Rodasti, Director.
The Bethany Schantz Organ
Bethany’s organ was custom designed and built by the Schantz Organ Company, Orville, Ohio. All pipes were hand crafted specifically for this organ from a variety of materials, including: zinc, poplar, copper, and alloys of tin and lead. The organ uses electro-pneumatic pitman windchests with 3.5 wind pressure throughout. There are 8 ranks of pips controlled by a moveable three-manual drawknob console which includes a four level memory solid0state combination action. The installation was completed by Schantz in May 1987.
The organ was installed in an essentially freestanding manner on a large shelf in one corner of the sanctuary. Swell choir and Pedal divisions are screened with a façade composed of basses from the Pedal 16’ Principal and Great 16’ Violone and 8’ Principal, with the balance of the Great exposed in two sections forward of the façade. This placement, together with excellent acoustics, allows the organ to the fill the room effortlessly. The broad scales of the Great principal chorus in particular contribute to the overall warmth of the instrument, which, while being capable of rather dramatic impact, is never harsh or strident.
