Choir is a central part of Bethel College’s Fine Arts department. Bethel’s choral ensembles include Concert Choir, Chapel Choir, Chamber Singers and two student-led a capella groups: Woven, a soprano/alto ensemble, and Open Road, a tenor/bass ensemble.
Woven was founded in 2010 and is currently comprised of 10 singers. They meet twice a week to rehearse. Woven sings a variety of different songs, from classic arrangements like Lennon and McCartney’s “Blackbird”, to religious songs, especially when they perform in churches. Woven performs not only in churches, but also at other community events. They have performed at coffee shops and all around Bethel’s campus. They also do performances with the other student-led a cappella group, Open Road. Their goal is to share music with as many people as possible.
Rehearsing twice a week along with their other choir rehearsals, performances, classes and extracurriculars is no easy task, but students in Woven say it’s worth it. “I enjoy it because I get to make music with my friends,” said sophomore Adah Hodge. “It’s a really fun experience and we get to choose our own music to sing. It’s also completely student-led, so it’s fun to get the opportunity to really make it what we want.”
While it does seem like a lot of time and effort is put into Woven, senior Emma Graber explained how they still have fun with it. “The best part of being in this group is the laughter during rehearsals,” said Graber. “Whether it be because we just messed up entirely or we are goofing around with our accents, it’s always a good time.”
Open Road, the tenor/bass ensemble, was founded in 2001. Like Woven, they perform at churches and various community events. They also perform annually for a home concert in Memorial Hall. Throughout the years, they have performed at Mennonite Church USA conventions in Charlotte, N.C., and San Jose, Calif., and have been a selected choir at the Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) annual convention. They have performed with the Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus as well.
“Open Road is great,” said sophomore Ethan Wilcox. “I love picking whatever songs we want to sing and then working through learning them together. I recommend everyone try out, it’s a very enjoyable group to be in.”
Both Woven and Open Road performed on the Prairie Sky Stage at Fall Fest on October 17. Woven performed at 9:00 a.m and Open Road followed them at 9:30. Those who want to see them live can mark their calendars for Nov. 1, the date of the “Bethel Sings” choral concert. Students and members of the community are encouraged to show up and support the a cappella groups and other choral ensembles and share in their love of music.
The members of Woven and Open Road put lots of work and time into their groups and deserve to be praised. Although advised by choir director Dr. Russell Adrian, these groups are completely student-led, which takes great leadership and commitment. Being a part of these groups is not just about the work the students put in, but also about the relationships they build with each other and with music. They know how to have fun, get work done and share their talents with the Bethel community.