More March!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

Congratulations to our symphonic band and symphonic orchestra in their superb work at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Festival. The groups received top ratings!

We need your help.

1. Please sign up here to help at Band Extravaganza with greeting, handing out programs, and taking the offering. on Tuesday, March 17.

2. Please sign up here to help our with Swingin' the Night Away by bringing desserts or volunteering on Friday, March 20

3. We are in need of food donations to feed our students for their trip to Florida. Please sign up here if you can help out!

Join us for these special events!

4. Invite all of your friends and family to Band Extravaganza on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m. We are excited to host this concert at West Ottawa's Performing Arts Center (3685 Butternut Dr, Holland, MI 49424). There is more seating at this venue so we are excited to welcome all who would like to attend! 

Bands from grades 5 through 12 will perform, and the evening will conclude with over 200 musicians playing together—an incredible finale you won’t want to miss!

5. Don't miss Swingin' the Night Away! 

The HCHS music department and jazz ensembles invite you to Swingin’ the Night Away on Friday, March 20 from 6:45–9:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Free dance instruction will be offered from 6:45–7:30 p.m., followed by dancing, desserts, and beverages from 7:30–9:00 p.m. Enjoy Glenn Miller favorites, funk tunes, blues, and a vocal soloist! Tickets are $5 at the door.

6. Florida parent and student meeting on Thursday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the HCHS auditorium.

7. State Solo and Ensemble Festival. This MSBOA event is at Portage Northern on Friday/Saturday, March 20/21. Family is invited to watch student performances.

8. Meyer Music is hosting a step up event for students who would like more info about moving to a step up instrument. See info here. This will be Tuesday, March 24 from 6:30-7:30 at our HC Middle School.

Thank you!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  950 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423  school: 616.820.2805 cell: 616.212.8867 blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musichchs/ "Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ"

A Busy March!

Dear HCHS Band and Orchestra Students and Parents,

I hope you are doing well and enjoying the sunshine these past few days. March is shaping up to be a busy and exciting month!

1. Pep Band
All band members: our final pep band is this Friday (tomorrow) at the Civic Center. Plan to arrive by 6:30 p.m.

2. Pine Ridge Performance
Concert Band and Concert Orchestra will perform at Pine Ridge on Wednesday, February 25. Students will be dismissed at 12:00 p.m., walk to Pine Ridge, and return to HCHS around 1:30 p.m.

3. MSBOA Festival – Symphonic Band
Symphonic Band will perform at 8:55 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4 at the West Ottawa HS Performing Arts Center. I will leave HCHS with the van and trailer at 7:40 a.m.; students are welcome to ride with me—please let me know if you plan to do so. If not, plan to meet at the WOHS PAC by 8:00 a.m. We will take a bus back to HCHS, stopping at McDonald’s on the way, and expect to return by 11:30 a.m. Concert uniform required. Parents are encouraged to attend!

4. MSBOA Festival – Symphonic Orchestra
Symphonic Orchestra will perform at the West Ottawa HS Performing Arts Center on Thursday, March 5. Students will be dismissed at 9:50 a.m. and return to campus around 1:30 p.m. All students will ride the bus, and we will stop at McDonald’s on the way back. Concert uniform required. Parents are encouraged to attend!

6. Rose Park Performance
Symphonic Band will be performing at Rose Park at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10. Students will need to arrive by 8:00 a.m. to set up and warm up. I will be taking a van from HC to Rose Park, departing the HS at 7:30 a.m. Be at the high school by this time if you need a ride to Rose Park in the HC van and let me know so I can make sure I have the right amount of space. Since a number of you are driving to Rose Park it would be helpful if you could park in the Peace Lutheran parking lot and walk over via the path it would help a little with the beginning of the day traffic congestion at Rose Park.

7. Band Extravaganza Rehearsal
Concert Band and Symphonic Band will rehearse at the West Ottawa Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, March 17 in preparation for the 5–12 HC Band Concert. Students will depart after lunch and return around 2:00 p.m. All students will ride the bus.

8. Florida Parent Meeting
There will be an important Florida parent meeting on Thursday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the HCHS auditorium. Please plan to attend to meet chaperones and receive final trip details. Students are also welcome.

9. State Solo and Ensemble Festival
This MSBOA event is at Portage Northern on Friday/Saturday, March 20/21. We will get you times when they are assigned.

10. Swingin' the Night Away

The HCHS music department and jazz ensembles invite you to Swingin’ the Night Away on Friday, March 20 from 6:45–9:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Free dance instruction will be offered from 6:45–7:30 p.m., followed by dancing, desserts, and beverages from 7:30–9:00 p.m. Enjoy Glenn Miller favorites, funk tunes, blues, and a vocal soloist! Tickets are $5 at the door.

11. Florida Departure
On Wednesday, April 1, all Florida bound students will depart for Florida at 8:30 a.m.! Here is our final itinerary with details.

Band Extravaganza

Join us for the Holland Christian Schools Band Extravaganza on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the West Ottawa HS Performing Arts Center. Bands from grades 5 through 12 will perform, and the evening will conclude with over 200 musicians playing together—an incredible finale you won’t want to miss!

Thank you for your support during this busy season!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  950 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423  school: 616.820.2805 cell: 616.212.8867 blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musichchs/ "Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ"

Second Semester here we come!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

1. Florida payments are due this by tomorrow. You can pay online using THIS LINK, or you can write and make your check payable to Holland Christian School. This amount needs to be paid by tomorrow January 9, 2026.  The check can be dropped into the envelope on Mr. VandenBerg's door.

2. You are all invited to these solo and ensemble festival events. It is so enjoyable to see these students perform solos, duets, quartets and more. We have such gifted students. I will send out the schedule of events for recital night soon so you can make a plan to listen.
Recital Night - Wed., Jan. 28 at HCHS in the band/orchestra and choir rooms
MSBOA Solo/Ensemble Festival - Sat. Jan. 31 schedule at Wyoming HS

3. There is an important Florida Parent Meeting on Thursday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the HCHS auditorium. Please plan to attend, meet chaperones and find out the last details about the trip.

4.. Here is a reminder of other upcoming semester 2 dates through spring break.

Here is the calendar and the best way to keep up with this info.

Fri., Feb. 6 pep band at Civic Center at 6:30 p.m.

Wed., Feb. 18 Symphonic Orchestra at Rose Park (during class)

Fri., Feb. 20 pep band at Civic Center at 6:30 p.m.

Wed. Feb. 25 Concert Band and Concert Orchestra at Pine Ridge

Wed., Mar. 4 Symphonic Band at MSBOA festival (8:55 a.m.)

Thurs., Mar. 5 Symphonic Orchestra at MSBOA festival (11:20 a.m.)

Tues., Mar. 10 Symphonic Band at Rose Park (during class)

Tues., Mar. 17 Band Extravaganza (all bands)

Thurs., Mar. 19 Florida Parent Meeting at 7:30 p.m. in auditorium

Fri., Mar. 20 Swingin the Night Away starting at 6:45 p.m.

Fri., Mar. 21 MSBOA State Solo and Ensemble Festival

Wed., April 1 departing for Florida

Thank you,
Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  950 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423  school: 616.820.2805 cell: 616.212.8867 blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musichchs/ "Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ"

Christmas Concert details and a Florida reminder!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

1. All band and orchestra students will have early rehearsal Tuesday, Dec. 16 at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts to prepare for the concert.

-Concert Band and Concert Orchestra arrive between 7:05 and 7:10 a.m. 

-Symphonic Band and Symphonic Orchestra arrive between 7:35 and 7:40 a.m.

2. The front doors to the Jack H. Miller will be open from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. and the back/loading dock door will be open from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and there will be a bus to bring you back to HCHS at the end of rehearsal.

3. The Tuesday evening musician concert call time is 5:30 p.m., please bring a snack and water bottle for in between the two concerts.

4. Wednesday, Dec. 18
Symphonic Orchestra (strings only) at HCS staff Christmas gathering 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in HCHS cafeteria

5. Did you know that you can order your family tickets for Disney World at a discounted rate because we are performing at Disney World. Family tickets are the same as student performer tickets. Please follow this link to place your order and for details. Disney Family Ticket Order Form. This must be completed and submitted by Friday, December 12. There will be no late orders. Please reach out to Darla Schaap at schaapdarla@gmail.com if you have any questions.

6. Invite friends and family to the Christmas Concert - The High School Music Department invites you to its annual band, orchestra, and choir Christmas concert Tuesday, December 16 at the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, located on the campus of Hope College. Performances will be at 6:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m (5:30 p.m. call time). 

We look forward to sharing in the celebration of our Savior’s birth through our music!

We need your help with our Christmas concert. 

Please sign up here to help with offering, greeting, and handing out programs at the 6:00 p.m. concert.

Please sign up here to help with offering, greeting, and handing out programs at the 7:45 p.m. concert. 

Thank you!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  950 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423  school: 616.820.2805 cell: 616.212.8867 blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musichchs/ "Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ"

Important Florida info and Christmas performances begin!

 Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

Don't miss this important info!

1. Did you know that you can order your family tickets for Disney World at a discounted rate because we are performing at Disney World. Family tickets are the same as student performer tickets. Please follow this link to place your order and for details. Disney Family Ticket Order Form. This must be completed and submitted by Friday, December 12. There will be no late orders. Please reach out to Darla Schaap at schaapdarla@gmail.com if you have any questions.

2. See the HCHS Folk Ensemble (with some symphonic orchestra members) at Pillar Church on Sunday (Dec. 7) morning (9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services, 7 a.m. call time)

and all of the HCHS Symphonic Orchestra at Central Ave. Christian Reformed Church evening (5:00 p.m. service, 3:30 p.m. call time) this Sunday (Dec. 7).

3. Invite friends and family to the Christmas Concert - The High School Music Department invites you to its annual band, orchestra, and choir Christmas concert Tuesday, December 16 at the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, located on the campus of Hope College. Performances will be at 6:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m (5:30 p.m. call time). 

We look forward to sharing in the celebration of our Savior’s birth through our music!

We need your help with our Christmas concert. 

Please sign up here to help with offering, greeting, and handing out programs at the 6:00 p.m. concert.

Please sign up here to help with offering, greeting, and handing out programs at the 7:45 p.m. concert. 

Thank you!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  950 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423  school: 616.820.2805 cell: 616.212.8867 blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musichchs/ "Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ"

A look at December and more Florida information!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

What great fun we had at Swingin' the Night Away!

Florida letters went out to friends and family asking for support for the HCHS band/orchestra trip to Florida. Check in with those that your student sent a letter to and ask if they received it. We are about half way to our goal. Thanks for helping us keep this trip affordable for kids.

Thanks to these volunteers whose work makes this trip happen. Janet Jenosky, Bonnie Brower, David and Jamie Dannenberg, Jes Dozeman, Billy and Liza Greene, Darin Klooster, Judy Rozema, Darla Schaap, Becky and Mike Tuesink, Brooke VanTil, Steve VanDyke, Melissa VanderZwaag, Pete and Jessica Westra

1. Did you know that you can order your family tickets for Disney World at a discounted rate because we are performing at Disney World. Family tickets are the same as student performer tickets. Please follow this link to place your order and for details. Disney Family Ticket Order Form. This must be completed and submitted by Friday, December 12. Please reach out to Darla Schaap at schaapdarla@gmail.com if you have any questions.

2. Invite friends and family to the Christmas Concert - The High School Music Department invites you to its annual band, orchestra, and choir Christmas concert Tuesday, December 16 at the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, located on the campus of Hope College. Performances will be at 6:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. 

We look forward to sharing in the celebration of our Savior’s birth through our music!

We need your help with our Christmas concert. 

Please sign up here to help with offering, greeting, and handing out programs at the 6:00 p.m. concert.

Please sign up here to help with offering, greeting, and handing out programs at the 7:45 p.m. concert.

4. Here is the Ham Fundraiser sheet. This is an individual fundraiser. Orders are due on Monday, Nov. 24 and delivered on Dec. 11.

5. We are raising money for Florida 2026 by selling concessions at the musical. We still need your help to donate some candy or water and/or help sell concessions at the musical performances. Use these links below if you can help out.

Candy Donations for Musical

Musical Concession Help

6. We are in the solo and ensemble festival prep season and we have 61 students participating.

The important dates are:

Recital Night: Wednesday, January 28 (HCHS)

District S & E: Saturday, January 31 (Wyoming HS)

Those who receive the highest rating (a one) will qualify for State Solo and Ensemble Festival:

State S & E: Saturday, March 21 (Portage Northern I think, TBD)

7. Here are upcoming dates for band and orchestra students:

Dec. 7 Symphonic Orchestra at Pillar Church at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services

Dec. 7 Symphonic Orchestra Central Ave Church 5:00 p.m.
Dec. 16 All Bands and Orchestras at Christmas Concert at Jack H. Miller at 6:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.
Dec. 17 Symphonic Orchestra Staff Christmas Social

Thank you!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  950 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423  school: 616.820.2805 cell: 616.212.8867 blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musichchs/ "Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ"

More events coming, pictures, and a Christmas concert!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

Some of these are reposts because we still need some volunteers and donations!

1. Great work on the concert! So proud of all of these groups! Here is a recording of this concert.

2. Check out our band/orchestra pictures linked here!

3. Symphonic Band will need their uniforms at school on Tuesday, Nov. 11 for the Veterans Day Assembly which begins at 9:30 a.m. Friends and family are invited to attend the event in the HCHS gym.

4. Sign up here if you can help out at Swingin' the Night Away at the event or if you can bring a dessert or two!

5. We are raising money for Florida 2026 by selling concessions at the musical. We would love it if you could donate some candy or water and/or help sell concessions at the musical performances. Use these links below if you can help out.

Candy Donations for Musical

Musical Concession Help

6. Don't miss Swingin' the Night Away!

The Holland Christian Jazz Bands and the Old Timer’s Jazz Band are proud to present  Swingin’ the Night Away in the HCHS cafeteria on Friday, November 14, from 6:45 to 9 p.m. Admission is $5 (cash only) and goes to support our music programs at HCS. New to swing  dancing? No worries! The Hope College Swing Club will be on hand from 6:45 pm-7:30 pm to teach  us the basic steps of swing, so the evening can be enjoyed by novice and experienced  dancers alike. Not in the mood for dancing? Come socialize, indulge in some delicious  desserts, punch, and enjoy the music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington  and more.

7. 2025 HS Christmas Concert
The High School Music Department invites you to its annual band, orchestra and choir Christmas concert on Tuesday, December 16th at the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, located on the campus of Hope College. This year we will be offering TWO performance times at 6 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. We look forward to sharing in the celebration of our Savior’s birth through our music.

--

Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  950 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423  school: 616.820.2805 cell: 616.212.8867 blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musichchs/ "Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ"