While music fills the air through speakers all over campus, there is nothing quite like the melodies heard from 10:30 to 11 a.m. during chapel in the CU Center. Worship music is a big part of life at Concordia and has affected the listening tastes of students in many ways.

Chapel Coordinator Olivia Thoelke said, “Worship music has had a huge impact on me. I am studying church music with a director of parish music.” She added, “The hymns of the church have always affected me and have led me to study church music here at Concordia. The hymns have provided a powerful way for me to understand and share my faith.” 

Concordia is no stranger to music, as worship music is played five days a week at chapel, at Sunday Source, daily in the cafeteria and Eagles’ Landing and at student events.

Thoelke said, “Abbey west is dedicated to providing a “vibrant and diverse” worship experience; each chapel throughout the week looks a little different.” On Monday they “use contemporary band arrangements that are more reflective and use a smaller band sound.” Thoelke continued, “Tuesday we open with acapella doxology and then have hymns accompanied by the piano. Again, Tuesday is a little more reflective and can be a bit more improvisatory. Thursday, we use the organ which provides a little more structure. Often different liturgy settings are used as well as hymns accompanied by the organ.”

A big draw for most students is Friday chapel. “Friday stands in contrast to Thursday chapel where we have a full contemporary band with a bigger sound and generally more upbeat music. While there are people who attend each chapel regardless of music styles, there are certainly people who come to only certain chapels because of the type of music,” said Thoelke.

Every Friday, Concordia’s sports teams gather at chapel together to take part in worship music and a sermon. The worship team delivers what sophomore Jackson Barrie refers to as “bangers” weekly which have incorporated themselves into the lives of student-athletes who make up a large percentage of the Concordia community. 

As a Christian school, Concordia’s mission is to help students grow and walk with Jesus Christ, and these songs allow students to remain in His presence often. “Singing along to worship music is the most fun and fulfilling way to give praise to Jesus. It feels incredible and it’s just a blessing, I mostly do it when I’m on a walk,” said Alexander Burns, sophomore. “I used to listen to a lot more extreme music, lots of rock and metal, I’ve mellowed out a lot since coming to Concordia.”

“My primary instrument is organ,” Thoelke said, “The hymns of the church have always affected me and have led me to study church music here at Concordia. The hymns have provided a powerful way for me to understand and share my faith.”

Students are not leaving these songs at the door once the clock strikes 11, as some are adding these tunes to their own music cycles. “I know most of the songs at chapel, but some of them, if I like them, are added to my worship playlist,” said Nicole Ihlein, sophomore. 

Another student mentioned her newfound love for Firm Foundation due to the singing talents of the on-stage students at chapel, specifically praising student singer Kaity Bills ‘25.

While some students say that their music taste has changed due to chapel music, others admit that their personal listening patterns have not been affected much. Regardless of whether or not playlists get changed, the widespread melodies have still worked their way into the hearts of students. “It has definitely begun to grow on me a lot more,” said Isaiah Gutierrez, freshman. Gutierrez, who “simply loves music” is just one of many Concordia students to have a similar reaction to the music played in chapel.

With Easter coming up, specific music will be played and sung to fit the different days of Holy Week as we look forward to celebrating His resurrection. Thoelke said, “In Lent we refrain from certain songs in order to maintain a more penitential and reflective setting. This allows us time to reflect on the Christ’s passion. Come Easter, we will sing more upbeat and joyful hymns and songs.”

For information about chapel times and more, please visit www.cui.edu/studentlife/student-leadership/abbey-west.

Tags: Alexander Carr

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