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Bethany College Hosts Over 500 Young Men for "Real Men Sing" Vocal Workshop

January 30, 2025

LINDSBORG, KAN., JAN. 30, 2025 – Bethany College hosted over 500 young men from nearly 40 schools across Kansas on Jan. 30 for the annual Real Men Sing vocal workshop. This celebrated event provides an inspiring opportunity for students in grades 4-12 to explore choral music in a supportive, all-male setting, fostering confidence, camaraderie, and a love for singing. 

 

Throughout the day, participants worked with music professionals in three distinct choirs, culminating in a powerful combined performance of God Bless America. The High School Choir, conducted by Assistant Professor of Music Troy Robertson, performed The Music of Living by Dan Forrest, The Lazy Farmer, arranged by John Wykoff, and Ubi Caritas by Jonathan Reid. The Changing Voices Choir, led by Greg Bontrager (retired Buhler High School teacher) and Nicholas Griggs (McPherson High School), performed Bella Ciao, arranged by Christi Jones and Zum Gali Gali, arranged by Victor Johnson. Under the direction of Alex Underwood (Hays High School), the Unchanged Voice Choir performed Hakuna Mungu Kama Wewe, arranged by Greg Gilpin and Dona Nobis Pacem arranged by Hal Hopson. 

 

“Real Men Sing is a great event for my middle and high school tenors and basses! They have fun being able to sing and be themselves without the pressure of sopranos and altos around. Of course, all-you-can-eat at the Caf is another nice perk for a growing boy,” said Britney English, choral director at Smoky Valley. “I’m grateful that this event exists, as it also encourages boys to sing in their school choirs!” 

 

Robertson added, “One of the most important things a choir director can do is cultivate a love for singing in their students. Music is an outlet for many students to express themselves and have fun—Real Men Sing gives young men from all over Kansas that chance. They eat in the cafeteria, meet people from different walks of life, and spend an entire day making music and memories. A day well spent!” 

 

The event was organized by Robertson in collaboration with Associate Director of Admissions Sabrina Wollenberg, with accompaniment provided by Professor of Music Daniel Masterson, Assistant Professor of Music Tyler Boehmer, Brenda Finch, and Glenna Balsick. 

 

Students attended from the following schools: 

  • Bennington High School in Bennington, K.S. 
  • Buhler High School in Buhler, K.S. 
  • Campus High School in Wichita, K.S. 
  • Caney Valley Junior and Senior High School in Caney, K.S. 
  • Chanute Elementary School in Chanute, K.S. 
  • Chanute High School in Chanute, K.S. 
  • Chaparral Junior & Senior High School in Anthony, K.S. 
  • Council Grove High School in Council Grove, K.S. 
  • Derby Middle School in Derby, K.S. 
  • Ellinwood High School in Ellinwood, K.S. 
  • Haysville Middle School in Haysville, K.S. 
  • Haysville West Middle School in Haysville, K.S. 
  • Hoisington High School & Middle School in Hoisington, K.S. 
  • Inman Jr. High School in Inman, K.S. 
  • Kansas City Christian School PreK-12 in Prairie Village, K.S. 
  • Lakeside High School in Downs, K.S. 
  • Lakewood Middle School in Salina, K.S. 
  • Lakin High School in Lakin, K.S. 
  • Little River Middle School in Little River, K.S. 
  • Mission Valley High Schools in Mission Valley, K.S. 
  • Nickerson High School in Nickerson, K.S. 
  • Norton Community High School in Norton, K.S. 
  • Osborne Junior & Senior High School in Osborne, K.S. 
  • Oskaloosa High School in Oskaloosa, K.S. 
  • Peabody-Burns JH/SR High School in Peabody, K.S. 
  • Piper High School in Kansas City, K.S. 
  • Remington High School in Whitewater, K.S. 
  • Rock Hills Junior & Senior High School in Mankato, K.S. 
  • Rose Hill High School in Rose Hills, K.S. 
  • Royal Valley High, Middle, and Elementary Schools in Mayetta, K.S. 
  • Royster Middle School in Chanute, K.S 
  • Sacred Heart Junior & Senior High School in Salina, K.S. 
  • Salina Central High School in Salina, K.S. 
  • Salina South High School in Salina, K.S. 
  • Scott City Middle School in Scott City, K.S. 
  • Smoky Valley High School & Middle School in Lindsborg, K.S. 
  • South Central Middle School in Protection, K.S. 
  • Uniontown Junior & Senior High School in Uniontown, K.S. 
  • Wamego High School in Wamego, K.S. 


Bethany College continues to lead the way in music education and outreach, demonstrating its commitment to fostering the arts in young students. Events like Real Men Sing are vital in inspiring the next generation of musicians while strengthening Bethany’s reputation as a hub for musical excellence. 

 

The final performance is available for viewing on our YouTube.

 

Bethany College, founded by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, located in Lindsborg, Kansas. Known for its fine arts and strong liberal arts programs, Bethany College fosters a community where students grow academically and personally as they pursue their purpose. For more information, visit bethanylb.edu. 

March 28, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
March 27, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 27, 2025 — Students in Professor James Baker’s Elementary Social Studies Methods class had a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers, the Honorable John Carlin and Bethany College alumnus Ryon Carey '95, during a recent session focused on history, government, and education. The event brought together students from both Professor Baker’s course and Dr. Rana Razek’s class for an engaging discussion on the branches of government, the role of the U.S. Department of Education, and the importance of civic understanding in the classroom. Governor Carlin, who also served as the Archivist of the United States following his tenure as Kansas Governor, offered students a personal perspective on his career in public service and shared insights into the responsibilities of preserving key national documents such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His reflections underscored the value of historical records in shaping democracy and educating future generations. Ryon Carey, a 1995 Bethany graduate, also contributed to the discussion, offering his perspective on leadership and public service. “It was a privilege to welcome Governor Carlin and Ryon Carey to speak with our students,” said Professor James Baker. “Opportunities like this deepen our students’ understanding of the material and remind us all of the importance of connecting real-world experience to classroom learning. I’m incredibly grateful to both of our speakers for sharing their time and insights.” You can learn more about our Education Department at bethanylb.edu/education . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
March 25, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 25, 2025 — Bethany Backers has achieved its most successful fundraising effort to date, raising more than $72,000—more than double any previous year’s total. Thanks to the generosity of over 200 donors, these funds will directly enhance the student experience at Bethany College. Each year, Bethany Backers selects a project based on student suggestions, with donations traditionally starting at $50. A portion of the funds raised also supports student scholarships. Past projects have included creating a mock courtroom for criminal justice students, adding additional seating in campus greenspaces, and purchasing games for common areas. The first project funded by this record-breaking total will be the purchase of new cardio equipment for the college’s fitness center, providing students with upgraded resources to support their health and wellness. Additionally, because of the unprecedented amount raised, Bethany Backers will be able to complete a second project, which will be determined through a vote among this year’s donors. “On behalf of the Bethany College Alumni Association, I want to extend my enthusiastic gratitude to every Bethany Backer who contributed to the 2025 “Swedes Around The World” campaign,” said Olivia Peterson, President of the Bethany College Alumni Association and a 2013 graduate. “This year marked our most ambitious project yet, and our alumni and friends exceeded our goals! Not only will this effort provide upgraded training tools for our student-athletes but, most importantly, it will encourage and motivate all students to move their bodies!” Peterson continued, “I especially want to thank Kelly and Alan Clayton for the generous $10,000 matching grant opportunity and Angie Gaeddert for her wonderful $25,000 gift in honor of her late husband, Dr. Wade Gaeddert. Their generosity inspired others to give and helped us fund the project in full. I am humbled by the collective spirit and commitment of our community. Bethany has shaped us all—and now, we’re ensuring that future generations of Swedes have access to the same transformative experiences. The future is bright, friends! Tusen täck!” The goal is to have both projects ready to launch when students return to campus this fall. Bethany Backers extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed, making this milestone achievement possible. For more information about Alumni projects and how to get involved, visit bethanylb.edu/alumni Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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