people

Music Director

Scott
Vanden Berg

With 25 years in music education, Scott has been the Music Director of the Calvin Community Symphony since 2019. Scott is a dynamic, highly skilled director recognized for excellence in musical leadership. In 2014, Scott was awarded the John P. Varineau Outstanding Music Educator Award by the Grand Rapids Symphony.

A native of Iowa, Scott earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Dordt College and a Master of Music degree in conducting from California State University, Long Beach. 

In addition to his work with the Calvin Community Symphony, Scott is the Director of instrumental music at Holland Christian High School, and Director of the Holland Bach Society, the Holland American Legion Band, and the 14th Street Christian Reformed Church choir and orchestra. Scott enjoys serving as a guest conductor and clinician for schools and music festivals around the country.

Scott lives in Holland, MI, with his wife, Susan, and their three children, Ella, Abram, and Charlotte. 

personnel manager & librarian

Jenny ryan

A graduate of Grand Valley State University, Jenny teaches orchestra in Grand Rapids Public Schools. Her passion for teaching strings extends beyond the school day; she has been a staff member for two European tours with Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp International Program and manages her growing private violin studio. She loves performing with the Calvin Community Symphony. Outside of music, Jenny loves to run, try new restaurants, and read.

musicians

  • Eric Stone, Data Technician
    John Kasica, Retired Percussionist
    Rob Kratz-Hahn, Pharmacy Technician Coordinator

  • Flute
    Meredith Krebs, Customer Loyalty & Engagement Specialist
    Laura Sutherland, Nursing Faculty & Nurse Practitioner

    Piccolo
    Paula Kasica, Flute Teacher, Grandparent

    Oboe
    Patricia Gordon (+English Horn), Music Education Instructor
    Alanna Rynders, Retired Teacher
    Clare Portinga, Social Worker

    Clarinet
    Mary Cupery, Music Educator
    Stephanie Walters, Music Educator
    Rose Wiersma (+Bass Clarinet), Director of Zeeland Community Band, Woodwind Specialist

     Bassoon
    Tim DeYoung, Music Teacher
    Carrie Holstege,Band & Music Educator

  • Trumpet
    Gregory Alley, Musician
    Glenn Jarrell, Retired Accountant
    Jonathan Karnes, Scientist & Musician

    French Horn
    Rebekah Buyze, Retired
    Cheryl Hoogewind, Educator
    Elizabeth Tuininga, Musician and Homeschool Mom
    Jim Zwarensteyn, Retired Educator
    Susan Wygmans, Optician

    Trombone
    Craig Bierenga, Lawn Care Professional
    Bob De Weerd, High School English Teacher
    Ben Huisman, Stay-at-Home Dad

    Tuba
    Tim J. Cary, Software Support

  • Violin I
    Sarah Bratt, Nurse Practitioner
    Gene Fonger, Retired Optometrist
    Sarah Helder, IT at Tekton
    *Mary Klooster Hillyard, Retired Orchestra Teacher, Grandma
    Margaret Hawley-Lowry, Orchestra and Spanish Teacher
    Emma Paras, Simulation Tech/Educator
    Ryan Pott, Violin & Piano Teacher
    Jenny Ryan, Orchestra Teacher
    Karisa Wilson-Sprite, Full-time Musician
    Steve Starnes, Financial Advisor
    * Concertmaster

    Violin II
    Dede Addy, Educational Researcher
    Laurie Boomers, Music Teacher
    Julie Bowden, Grandparent & Gardener
    Maria DeRuischer, Piano & Violin Teacher
    Lori DeVries, Academic Interventionist
    Lis Hatfield, Graduate Student, Parent
    Leslie Hulst, Parent, Volunteer, Musician
    Jasmine Krueger, School Social Worker
    Angie Mast, Retired Nurse
    Susan A. Stoddard, Retired Financial Consultant
    Cathy Swebe, Paralegal
    Lisa Van Dyke, Retired Dietitian, Homemaker
    Barbara Van Patten, Retired RN

     Viola
    Mary Ellen Bloem, Hospice RN
    Darren Chan, Professional Musician
    Pete Colburn, Department Trainer
    Angela Dieleman, Orchestra Teacher & Bank Teller
    Dot Hekman, Retired Math Teacher
    Evangelia Niwula, Violin & Viola Teacher, Mom
    Debra Rienstra, Professor of English, Calvin University
    Claire Schaar, Family Medicine Physician
    Abigail VandenBosch, Accounts Payable Clerk, Piano Teacher
    Jenna Small, Blue Lake International Exchange Coordinator

     Cello
    Meggan Anaya, Middle School Orchestra Teacher
    Heather Alexander-Leduc, High School Teacher
    Yeji Sarah Kim, Seminarian, Registered Nurse
    Carolyn Muyskens, Journalist
    Suzanne Smalligan, Furniture Designer
    Ellen J. Thomasma, LMSW/Spiritual Director
    Luke Tilma, Resident Physician 

    Bass
    Laurie Braswell, Occupational Therapist
    Amanda Murbach, Elementary Music Teacher
    Traci Montgomery, Sr Manager – Consumer Insights
    Ron Rienstra,Professor, Preaching & Worship Arts (Western Theological Seminary)

    Harp
    Jennifer Jacobs, Stay-at-Home Mom, Grandma

Board Members

  • Bob Deweerd

    President

  • Vacant

    Vice President

  • Susan Stoddard

    Treasurer

  • Mary Beth Klooster Hillyard

    Concertmaster

  • Lis Hatfield

    Marketing and Public Relations Manager

  • Jon Karnes

    Board Member

  • Julie Bowden

    Board Member

  • Sarah Helder

    Board Member

  • Jim Zwarensteyn

    Board Member

support the music

The Calvin Community Symphony thrives on the support of our audiences, members, and community at large. Your financial gifts enable us to play the music we love for audiences to enjoy.

Support Us