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. 

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

    Viola

    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

    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

    Celeste

    Careta Gilmore, Professional Musician

    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