Music & Choirs

Few things stir within us a greater sense than does beautiful music. It has the power to awaken our senses, to stimulate our intellect, and to break our hearts.

Both in our worship life and in other arenas of our life together, we recognize the power of music to do something to us.

If you have a passion for music and find joy in helping to create it or simply delight in how God works on us through music, you’ll love what we do here. Join a choir, play an instrument, participate in the Bethlehem Music Series, or soak in the power of this extraordinary gift of God.

Choral Ensembles

Women’s Choral Ensemble

AGES: High School to Adult
CAMPUS: Minneapolis (Choir Room, lower level)
REHEARSALS: Mondays at 6:45–7:45 pm, September to May; Begins Sep 14

The Bethlehem Women’s Choral Ensemble is a choir made up of soprano and alto voices. This ensemble sings a wide variety of repertoire ranging from classical works, gospel, hymn arrangements, and more contemporary anthems as well. This ensemble is perfect for singers of all experience levels. Whether you have been singing your entire life or looking to try something new, this ensemble is a great way to come together in community and lift your voice in worship and praise to God. The ensemble sings in worship once a month. No audition is necessary. Join us as we make music to the Lord with the sound of singing!

LEARN MORE: Mark Paisar (Director of Music), [email protected]

Bethlehem Chorale

AGES: Adult
CAMPUS: Minneapolis (Choir Room, lower level)
REHEARSALS: Wednesdays at 6:45–8:15 pm, September to May; Begins Sep 16

The Bethlehem Chorale has a long history of providing quality, engaging music that proclaims the Word of God in worship. They provide congregational support on hymns and liturgy as well as scripture-related anthems. The repertoire ranges from classical works, gospel, and hymn arrangements, to a wide variety of historic styles. Whether you have been singing your entire life or looking to try something new, this choir is a great way to come together in community and lift your voice in worship to praise God. The choir sings most Sundays as well as for festival days: Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Easter. No audition is necessary but some prior vocal experience is preferred.

LEARN MORE: J. Aaron McDermid, [email protected]

Chancel Choir

AGES: Middle School to Adult
CAMPUS: Minnetonka
REHEARSALS: Wednesdays at 6:45–8:15 pm, September to May; Begins Sep 16

This mixed voice choir leads the congregation in worship through hymns and anthems most Sundays from September to May at the Minnetonka Campus. Whether you have been singing your entire life or looking to try something new, this ensemble is a great way to come together in community and lift your voice in worship and praise to God. We hope you will consider singing with us as we lift our hearts and voices together to glorify God. No audition is necessary. Join us as we make music to the Lord with the sound of singing.

LEARN MORE: Michael Olsen, [email protected]

Men’s Choir

AGES: Adult
CAMPUS: Minneapolis (Choir Room, lower level)
REHEARSALS: Sundays at 10:00–10:30 am, September to May; Begins Sep 27

The Men’s Choir is a wonderful opportunity to join a group of men who love to sing. Conveniently, rehearsals are on Sunday morning instead of during the week. The Men’s Choir sings a wide variety of anthem styles and participates in worship once a month. No audition is necessary, but some prior vocal experience is preferred. Join us as we make music to the Lord with the sound of singing.

LEARN MORE: J. Aaron McDermid, [email protected]

“Music’s only purpose should be the glory of God and the recreation of the human spirit.” —Johann Sebastian Bach

Handbell Ensembles

Minneapolis Handbell Ensemble

AGES: High School to Adult

CAMPUS: Minneapolis (Sanctuary)
REHEARSALS: Wednesdays at 4:30–5:30 pm, September to May; Begins Sep 16

Handbell ensembles rehearse during the school year (beginning September) and generally ring once a month in worship and on the major festival Sundays. No prior handbell experience is necessary to join this ensemble. Please consider ringing with us as we ring out anthems of praise to God!

LEARN MORE: Mark Paisar (Director of Music), [email protected]

Minnetonka Handbell Ensemble

AGES: High School to Adult

CAMPUS: Minnetonka
REHEARSALS: Wednesdays at 5:45–6:45 pm, September to May; Begins Sep 16

Handbell ensembles rehearse during the school year (beginning September) and generally ring once a month in worship and on the major festival Sundays. No prior handbell experience is necessary to join this ensemble. Please consider ringing with us as we ring out anthems of praise to God!

LEARN MORE: Michael Olsen, [email protected]

Youth Handbell Ensemble

AGES: Grades 5–12

CAMPUS: Minneapolis (Sanctuary)
REHEARSALS: Wednesdays at 7:30–8:00 pm, September to May; Begins Sep 16

Handbell ensembles rehearse during the school year (beginning September). No handbell or music-reading experience is necessary! This is a great way to participate in an instrumental ensemble with other youth. All are welcome!

LEARN MORE: Mindy Mennicke, [email protected]

Choirs for Kids & Youth

Children’s Choirs (MPLS)

Children are guided in their spiritual development through the singing of age-appropriate music to the glory of God while learning to be part of a musical ensemble and Christian community. They are encouraged to grow in their faith through the sharing of their voices with each other and the congregation.

Kinder Choir
AGES: 4–5 years old (pre-Kindergarten)
REHEARSALS: Sundays at 10:00–10:30 am, September to May; Begins Sep 27; No is audition necessary.
DIRECTORS: Alicia Semelis, Ron Jay

Cantate Choir
AGES: Kindergarten–Gr 5
REHEARSALS: Wednesdays at 6:00–6:45 pm, September to May; Begins Sep 16
PERFORMS: Sings at the beginning of 10:30 am worship service about once a month. No audition is necessary.
DIRECTOR: Mindy Mennicke

Register

Children’s Choir (MTKA)

Sing a joyful noise to the Lord, kids! All kids (no matter their musical experience) are invited to sing in this choir. Perfection is not the goal—joy and fun and faithful worship are!

Mustard Seed Singers
AGES: 3 years–Gr 5
REHEARSALS: 1st Sundays at 10:45–11:15 am, September to May; Begins Oct 4
PERFORMS: Seasonally the choir will help lead the congregation in song at 9:30 worship. No is audition necessary.
DIRECTOR: Carrie Enstad

Register

Youth Choir (MPLS)

The Youth Choir is an ensemble that seeks to enhance worship through the singing of high-quality and varied music by engaging the heart and minds of our young singers. This choir provides the experience to eventually join the Bethlehem Chorale.

AGES: Grades 6–12
REHEARSALS: Wednesdays at 5:30–6:20 pm, September to May; Begins Sep 16
PERFORMS: Sings in worship approximately once a month. No audition is necessary.
DIRECTOR: Julia Fahey

To register for Grades 6–8, click here.
To register for Grades 9–12, click here.

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.” —Psalm 100

Bethlehem Music Series

For over 40 years, Bethlehem Music Series has presented a range of excellent music and artistry including Dixieland, classical organ, choir concerts, puppeteers, storytellers and much, much more. The series is the longest-running of its kind in the Twin Cities area, and what stays constant is its dedication to presenting artistic experiences of the highest quality in a welcoming environment. Concerts are FREE and an interactive experience reflecting the series’ dedication to education. Prior to each concert, artists offer insights into their performance and music, answering questions from the audience. Free valet parking is offered. Nursery for ages 3 months – 3 years is available.

Learn More

“Where there is devotional music, God is always at hand with His gracious presence.” —Johann Sebastian Bach

Music & Choirs Staff

Director of Music

Mark Paisar

Phone: 612-312-3373

Minneapolis Youth Choir Director

Julia Fahey

Kinderchoir Co-director

Ron Jay

Minneapolis Children's Choir & Youth Handbell Ensemble Director

Mindy Mennicke

Bethlehem Chancel Choir & Handbell Ensemble Director

Michael Olsen