Required chapel at Central Methodist University is long a thing of the past, although many alumni remember it well. These days, chapel – which occurs every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and is open to all who wish to attend – draws many students of its own accord.
Chapel is student-run, has student organizers and often student speakers. One of the biggest draws is the music, all performed by students in the Worship Band, sponsored and supported by Ryan McLouth, assistant professor of music and coordinator of CMU’s Music Ministry Program.
This year, so much interest was generated in the Worship Band that McLouth split his students into two groups, the Green Team and the Black Team. They will alternate weeks in performing for chapel. They will also perform for other churches and at activities as requested during the year.
There are a total of 18 musicians involved in the two bands. Heading up the Green Team as the band leader is vocalist Kay Wilkens-Neas. She is a senior music education major from Cole Camp. Her instrumental director is electric guitarist Kevin Helmerichs, a senior music education major from Lake Ozark.
Other members of the Green Team include Abbey Ruggles on vocals, a sophomore music education major from Fayette; Kayla Daen on vocals, a freshman pre-health major from Huntsville; Rachel Martin on vocals, a sophomore music education major from Richland;
Andrew Wooldridge on acoustic guitar, a junior business major from Columbia; Spencer Dry on bass guitar, a freshman music major from Benton City; Brendan Wiesehan on drums, a junior music education major from Villa Ridge; and Quiz Falls on vocals, a sophomore music education major from Marshall.
Heading up the Black Team is vocalist McKenna Nelson as band leader. McKenna is a senior music major from Macon. Her instrumental director is Sam Million on bass guitar, a junior music education major from Saint Louis, Mo.
Other members of the Black Team include Brooke Striegel on vocals, a sophomore business major from Holts Summit; Crystal Kimmi on vocals, a sophomore music education major from Stockton; Josiah Kee on electric guitar, a sophomore music ministry major from Franklin;
Edward Eivins on acoustic guitar, a freshman music ministry major from Eolia; Chance Roberts on drums, a freshman music education major from Fayette; Hannah Guilford on keys, a sophomore music education major from Sturgeon; and vocalist Joseph Mayo, a freshman music ministry major from Lee’s Summit.
