The Awaken Ensemble, based out of Arlington, features musicians from all over North Texas coming together for performances that spotlight charitable organizations.
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Music, it has been said, brings forth compassion.
Hence, the basis for Awaken Ensemble, a nonprofit group of musicians from across the Metroplex who come together to, per their mission statement, “use the intrinsic power of music to awaken the inherent good of the human spirit.”
“We believe that music has the power to bring us together in unique and positive ways. Our goal is to create exceptional music for exceptional causes,” said Sean Hale, director of music and worship at First United Methodist Church of Arlington, who co-founded Awaken with his wife Mary.
Hale plays piano and sings. Mary plays a variety of instruments and also sings.
The group’s musical genre is choral, classical and thematic, often featured in “Evensong” style worship services. The purpose is to foster positivity, love and goodwill.
Through their music, Awaken Ensemble helps people in need. At concerts, they will give a partner organization an opportunity to speak for a few minutes to the audience and share the work they do, making a call for volunteerism, donations, etc.
“We select music for each concert based on the partner organization so that we can hopefully inspire concertgoers to support these organizations and continue making our community the best it can be,” Sean said.
Awaken has partnered with organizations such as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Tarrant County, Arlington Charities, Arlington ISD Families in Transition, Opera Arlington, Hagar’s Heart (helps domestic violence victims), and many more.
“Sean and Mary are excellent musicians who have a love of music and a heart for service,” said Sharla Martin, a member of the board of directors. “They have many friends who are music educators in the DFW area, and Awaken provides opportunities for these teachers to use their musical expertise by singing together, and uplifting their community.”
How Awaken Ensemble started
In 2017, Sean was working on a benefit concert featuring several choirs from the area. However, a couple of choirs had to back out.
“I decided to ask some choir director friends if they’d be willing to make a small choir to sing a few pieces,” Sean recalled. “The concert was a huge success and the singers that sang in this small choir were very appreciative, and many of them were asking when we could do something like this again.”
In February 2019, Awaken became a 501(c)3. Today it has a pool of around 60 singers, with about 30 performing at a given concert.
“What began as a small group of music educators who simply wanted to sing meaningful music together has gradually developed into a community of musicians who care deeply about using their gifts to serve others,” Mary said. “Each performance has helped us build new connections with local organizations and audiences who want to make a difference.”
Most of the singers are music professionals in some way — choir directors, church musicians, music therapists, etc. — but they all have extensive musical backgrounds.
Performances are at First United Methodist Church, 313 N. Center St., in Arlington. They have performed elsewhere, however, including such places as the Texas Choral Directors Association Conference in San Antonio.
“This group is so professional and wonderfully talented. The music at their concerts is diverse, precisely executed, passionate and just all around incredible,” said Beth Henkel, video producer. “What’s really amazing is that the ensemble members don’t have a lot of time to practice together, since many of them are busy with jobs — many of them as music teachers in the area.
“And yet, when they take the stage, you are immediately impressed with the sound.”
Awaken Ensemble has one more performance in its 2025-26 season. It is a unique version as they are combining with the Chancel Choir of First UMC Arlington at 4 p.m. on May 17.
Concert tickets are usually $10, but free for students. The May concert this year is also free admission.
“I appreciate that Awaken Ensemble chooses a particular theme for their performances, which are inspired by the good work of another non-profit organization,” said Amy Schultz, a Trophy Club resident who has seen them several times. “This is such a lovely way to create partnerships in the community.”
Performance at Carnegie Hall
Sean, Mary and several of the group’s members will head to the New York City to play in a historic venue on June 14.
“We have a small group of 18 singers from both Awaken and First UMC that will be performing at Carnegie Hall this summer with a festival chorus of singers from across the US,” Sean said. “Conducting there is a first for me. MidAmerica Productions is a company that organizes various concerts at Carnegie Hall throughout the spring and summer. I was invited to sing with a choir last summer that performed John Rutter’s ‘Requiem’ with Rutter conducting, which was an incredible experience.”
First UMC Chancel Choir participated in a festival chorus at Carnegie Hall around 2010, before he became the director. His mother was the choir director at the time.
Sean said that, along with helping organizations, they learn something from those same people.
“The organizations are inspiring and we always come away from a concert feeling lifted up,” he said.
Mary added that music is a powerful way to bring attention to needs in the community because it connects with people on an emotional level. She said when people experience music together in a live setting, it creates a shared moment that can open hearts and inspire generosity.
“Instead of just hearing about a need, audiences feel something meaningful while also learning about the organizations doing important work in our community,” she said. “That combination often motivates people to get involved, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness.
“Our hope has always been that the music we share not only uplifts audiences but also amplifies the voices of the nonprofits we partner with.”