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
    Steve Triezenberg, Retired Professor
    Rob Kratz-Hahn, Pharmacy Technician Coordinator, Corewell Health
    Perrin Rynders, Percussion

  • FLUTE
    Paula Kasica (+Piccolo), Flute Teacher, Grandparent
    Meredith Krebs, Customer Loyalty & Engagement Specialist
    Laura Sutherland, Nursing Faculty & Nurse Practitioner

    OBOE
    Marjorie Hoogeboom, Retired Information Systems Director
    Alanna Rynders, Retired Teacher 

    CLARINET
    Lindsey Stinton, Graduate Student
    Stephanie Walters,Music Educator

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

  • FRENCH HORN
    Rebekah Buyze, Retired
    Cheryl Hoogewind, Educator
    Elizabeth Tuininga, Musician and Homeschool Mom
    Jim Zwarensteyn, Retired Educator
    Susan Wygmans, Optician

    TRUMPET
    Glenn Jarrell, Retired
    Jonathan Karnes, Scientist & Musician 

    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
    Linda Blakemore, Orchestra Teacher
    Steph Blakemore, Home-based Therapist
    Sarah Bratt, Nurse Practitioner
    Katherine (Jonker) Hand, Youth Minister
    Sarah (Griffioen) Helder, IT at Tekton
    *Mary Klooster Hillyard, Retired Orchestra Teacher/Grandma
    Ryan Pott, Violin & Piano Teacher
    Jenny Ryan, Orchestra Teacher
    Steve Starnes    , Financial Advisor
    * Concertmaster

    VIOLIN II
    Julie Bowden, Grandparent
    Marissa Brand, Doctor of Natural Medicine
    Darren Chan, Professional Musician
    Leslie Hulst, Parent, Volunteer, Musician
    Lynn Khadija, Retired Teacher
    Jasmine Krueger, School Social Worker
    Angie Mast, Retired
    Susan A. Stoddard, Retired Financial Consultant
    Lisa Van Dyke, Retired Dietitian/Homemaker

    VIOLA
    Mary Ellen Bloem, Hospice RN
    Pete Colburn, Department Trainer
    Dot Hekman, Retired Math Teacher
    Debra Rienstra, Professor of English, Calvin University
    Claire Schaar, Family Medicine Resident
    Abigail VandenBosch, Accounts Payable Clerk/Hotel Housekeeper

    CELLO
    Alexander-LeDuc, High School Teacher
    Carolyn Muyskens, Journalist
    Suzanne Smalligan, Furniture Designer
    Luke Tilma, Resident Physician

    BASS
    Roy Adams, Software Engineer
    Jmar Bongado, Musician
    Traci Montgomery, Sr Manager – Consumer Insights
    Ron Rienstra, Professor, Preaching & Worship Arts (Western Theological Seminary)

     HARPSICHORD
    Alexis VanZalen, Program Coordinator, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

Personnel Manager and librarian

ROB
KRATZ-HAHN

Rob Kratz-Hahn serves as the Personnel Manager and Librarian for the Calvin Community Symphony. In addition to his roles with the CCS, he works at Corewell Health as the Pharmacy Technician Education Coordinator. Prior to moving to Grand Rapids in 2021, Rob worked at the Flint Institute of Music for 12 years as a percussion instructor and program/concert coordinator.

Also a musician, Rob has been the Principal Timpanist with the Midland Symphony Orchestra since 2009, and performs regularly with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, and the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra.

Rob holds degrees in Percussion Performance from Western Michigan University and Cleveland State University, and a post-graduate certificate in world music from Oakland University.

Rob lives in Belmont with his wife, son, 2 dogs and cat.

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.