Music Ministry

Believe and Bear Fruit

Our mission is centered on the words of the apostle Paul, "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:19-20)

If you love to sing or play an instrument, here's your chance to share your musical gifts with others. Bethany offers fun and engaging ensembles for all ages, from youth and adult vocal choirs to handbell choirs and praise teams. Groups perform at worship services throughout the year, as well as occasional special performances at nursing homes, parks or local churches.

Just as Bethany offers different styles of worship to make eternal Biblical truths relevant to all living in today's culture, the music ministry offers many opportunities to serve in worship using our God-given talents. In addition to nurturing spiritual growth through fellowship and camaraderie, we strive to maintain a high standard of musical excellence. You don't need to be a member of Bethany or even audition to participate. Simply contact Steven Moore, Director of Music Ministries, at 319-364-6026 (ext. 108).

Opportunities:

Aneste Chorale
(Greek word meaning "Risen Lord" – pronounced ah NEST ay)
Director– Steven Moore

* Open to high school youth and adults
* Encompasses both traditional and contemporary choral literature (2 – 6 part harmony)
* Rehearses Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (August - May)
* Typically participates in early worship on the last two Sundays of every month
* Special combined choir opportunities include Easter, Reformation, Christmas and the annual Epiphany Concert on January 6

Kerysso Choir
(Greek word expressing "the proclamation of the gospel" – pronounced kay RISS owe)
Director – Steven Moore

* Open to 3rd through 6th graders
* Encompasses both traditional and contemporary choral literature (unison – 2 part harmony)
* Rehearses the last two Wednesdays of each month from 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. (September - May)
* Participates in worship on the second Sunday of every month (Youth Sunday)
* Kerysso attends the annual Eastern Iowa Children's Choir Festival sponsored by the Choristers Guild

Adult Bell Choir
Director – Tom Mills

* Open to high school youth and adults
* Encompasses both traditional and contemporary bell literature (mostly 3 octave)
* Rehearses Tuesday evenings from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. (September – May)
* Typically participates in early worship on the first Sunday of every month

Youth Bell Choir
Director – Marsha Wakeman

* Open to elementary and middle school youth
* Encompasses both traditional and contemporary bell literature (mostly 3 octave)
* Seasonal rehearsals preceding Children's Christmas Eve worship and Sunday school worship in May

Adult Praise Band
Director – Steven Moore

* Open to high school youth and adults
* Includes (but not limited to) drums, bass, acoustic and electric guitar, keyboards and vocals
* Encompasses both contemporary songs and hymns
* Rehearses Wednesday evenings from 6:45 – 8:45 p.m.
* Leads late worship on the first, third and fourth Sundays of every month
* Leads annual outdoor worship service at Bever Park in late spring

Youth Praise Band
Director – Steven Moore

* Open to high school youth (including Washington High School students)
* Includes (but not limited to) drums, bass, acoustic and electric guitar, keyboards and vocals
* Encompasses both contemporary songs and hymns
* Rehearses the Wednesday evening before Youth Sunday from 6:45 – 8:45 p.m.
* Leads late worship on the 2nd Sunday of every month

Bethany Brass Ensemble
Director – Steven Moore

* Open to high school youth and adults (including Washington High School students)
* Includes trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone and tuba
* Encompasses traditional hymnody and brass literature spanning the 16th – 19th century
* Seasonal rehearsals preceding the Epiphany Concert and Festival worship services on Easter, Reformation, Christmas, and Memorial Day weekend

Bethany Chamber Players
Director – Steven Moore

* Open to string and wind instrument players (including Washington High School students)
* Includes (but not limited to) harp, cello, flute, violin, viola, string bass and piano
* Encompasses traditional hymnody and chamber literature spanning the 16th – 20th century
* Seasonal rehearsals preceding the Epiphany Concert and special Lenten, Advent and Christmas services