Departmental Ensembles
College Choir
The Crown College Choir is known throughout the United States for its high level of musical excellence. The choir's repertoire includes a cappella classics as well as hymn arrangements and spirituals. Members are selected through competitive auditions each academic year. The choir regularly performs for campus events such as Parent's Weekend, Homecoming, Graduation, and chapel services as well as Christmas In Crown Chapel held the first weekend of December. They have sung at the national convention of the Association of Christian Schools and recorded five CD's, O Clap Your Hands, Glorify The Lord With Me, I Will Praise Thee O Lord, Christmas In Crown Chapel and Sing Me To Heaven a live recording of the choir's performances during their 2005 tour to Sweden and Norway. The College Choir has been featured in television and radio ads for Marshall Fields department stores and was one of the featured choirs at the 1999 and 2002 Hollidazzle Parade sponsored by the city of Minneapolis. The choir had successful tours of Germany, France, and Austria in May of 1997; Iceland, Sweden and Norway in June of 2001 and again in 2005. In May 2010, the Choir, along with the Women's Choir and Crown Brass, toured to Germany and Paris. Annual tours take them to over 30 states and Canada. The choir membership is derived of students from many majors and home states, all committed to the cause of musical excellence.
Chamber Choir
The Crown College Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. Kevin Smith, is comprised of 24 singers chosen through competitive auditions from the ranks of the Crown College Choir. This highly selective choir performs several styles of music, from a cappella classics to contemporary small-group works. They tour throughout the United States every year and made their European debut in May of 1997. The Chamber Choir has performed throughout central Europe and Iceland, Sweden, and Norway. The Chamber Choir performs at Christmas In Crown Chapel every December, and represents the college at various community events. They were chosen as one of the featured choirs for the Holidazzle Parade sponsored by the city of Minneapolis in 2001.The Chamber Choir was invited to perform with the choir of the Salzburg Cathedral (Austria) in June of 1999. They sang the Messe Solennelle by French composer Jean Langlais and toured throughout Germany and Austria.The Chamber Choir received a second invitation to perform with the Salzburg Cathedral choir and traveled to Austria in June of 2003. They performed the Missa in labore requies by Georg Muffat. Other concert locations included Hallstatt, Austria; Gosau, Austria; Traunreut, Germany; and Lucerne, Switzerland. The choir recently returned from their latest European tour during June of 2007. They performed to rave reviews in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Austria. Past performance venues have included the Salzburg Dom (Austria), the Vasteras Dom Kyrka (Sweden), the Lady Chapel of the Black Madonna (Einsiedeln, Switzerland), the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel (Colorado) and the Chapel of Light Naval Air Station (Keflavik, Iceland).
Women's Choir
The Crown College Women's Choir is open to all female students on campus. The group is comprised of students in a wide variety of majors and skill levels. The Women's Choir performs a number of times during the year and is known for its high-energy and diverse repertoire. Students auditioning for the College Choir will automatically be considered for the Women's Choir, though acceptance in the Women's Choir is not contingent upon acceptance into the College Choir. For more information contact director Curtis Kettler at .
Brass Ensemble
Formed in 2005, Crown Brass is under the direction of Dr. Gene Rivard. Although the players represent a variety of majors on campus, all have extensive playing experience and share a love for good brass music. They perform selections from classic to contemporary, and majestic Renaissance canzonas to spirituals. Crown Brass has performed at Christmas at Crown Chapel, So Glad!, a musical extravaganza featuring all the College's performance organizations, and Graduation ceremonies. In addition to chapels and campus events, they have performed in several local churches and schools. They have performed with the Crown College Choir and Crown Chamber Choir on their 2006 and 2007 spring tours, and the 2010 European Tour.
Chamber Orchestra
The Crown Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Jennifer Thomas, plays chamber music primarily from the baroque and classical periods. Music by Vivaldi, Mozart, and Bach have been performed. The Chamber Orchestra is made up of current students, alumni, and friends of the college, living in the area. They perform at Christmas in Crown Chapel and at various social events throughout the year.
Jazz Ensemble/Jazz Lab
For those who are interested in developing their playing, knowledge, and proficiency in jazz and other related styles, this group is comprised of students from a wide variety of majors. In addition to rehearsals and performances of "Big Band" arrangements with the ensemble, students' listening and improvisational skills are addressed. For more information contact director Mark Yannie. (yanniemj@crown.edu)
Traveling Ministry Teams
LifeVoice
LifeVoice is a mixed vocal group representing Crown College. These seven men and women combine their vocal and instrumental abilities to create an inspirational concert of contemporary Christian, a capella, and gospel music. Their enthusiasm for life and love for Christ come together providing a concert full of laughs, touching moments, and dynamic life stories.
The concert ministry of LifeVoice reaches people of all ages as they perform at a variety of locations including churches, schools, youth events, and camps. While the group enjoys singing together, their real motivation is to serve Christ and their desire to share His love with those they meet.
LifeVoice performs locally in the Twin Cities area and travels extensively throughout the year. For more information about LifeVoice or to schedule a concert, contact Sara Walz at 1-800-68-CROWN.
REACH
REACH, an arts-based performance team from Crown College, is reaching out to to churches in the community through the visual arts, drama, comedy, music, and choreography. The seven member cast of Crown students ministers in churches and schools throughout the school year and into the summer months. Each show aims to challenge Christians to examine their faith, beliefs, and commitments in creative ways, as they honor their Creator. The production weaves together compelling acting with talented voices in order to bring Biblical truths to life.