Songs and a Strong Community: Building Relationships Through Music Majors

Music can be a relaxing outlet individually, but it can also be a great way to collaborate with and contribute to a strong community. Even if you’re not pursuing music majors in college, you can give back to the local community through Grace College’s music groups. Each of these programs is unique, so you can find a group that fits your interests.

• Wind Ensemble

If you were in band and want to continue playing your instrument, Grace’s Wind Ensemble is a great place to get involved! The wind ensemble includes Grace students and community members, and it is directed by Grace College alumnus and local music teacher Eric Criss. This group plays music that ranges from popular songs to classical music.

• String Ensemble

The string ensemble is open to both students and community members, so you can play alongside and learn from experienced string players. As a member of the string ensemble, you will enjoy playing chamber music from different periods, including baroque, classical, and modern — under the direction of Shana Brath.

• Guitar Ensemble

If playing the guitar is more your thing, you might be interested in Grace’s Guitar Ensemble. Like the wind ensemble, the guitar ensemble plays a variety of music styles, from baroque to jazz with direction from Scott Workman.

• Lancer Pep Band

If you love basketball and the energy of athletic games, you will enjoy the Lancer Pep Band! Led by Eric Criss, the pep band plays at most home men’s and women’s basketball games and rehearses pre-game.

• Lancer Chorus

The Lancer Chorus sings and performs choral music. Previous performances include singing at churches, Grace College’s commencement ceremony, and participating in music ministry in France. Sometimes, director Ardis Faber and the Lancer Chorus collaborate with Winona Lake’s Classic Arts Programs to perform choral concerts in the community.

• Musicals

Grace College students perform plays and musicals each year through the theatre department. Led by Assistant Professor of Communication and Theatre Program Director Mike Yocum, students put on shows in the Little Theatre. Actors, vocalists, musicians, and tech-savvy students have plenty of opportunities to participate, and community members and students enjoy attending these performances.

• Private Lessons

If you want to improve your vocal or instrumental skills, Grace College offers private lessons for guitar, piano, percussion, violin, and voice. Private lessons can help you develop your skills or pursue your passions with the assistance of experienced instructors.

Most of these music programs have weekly rehearsals and one or two concerts per semester, allowing you to do what you love without a big time commitment. These programs are a great way to pursue your hobbies, get a break from homework, and connect with a strong community. Contact music@grace.edu to learn more about these opportunities!

If you have a passion for music, develop your abilities beyond these programs by majoring or minoring in one of Grace’s music majors. 

Or, explore Grace’s other clubs and extracurriculars to discover more ways to get involved on campus and in the community.