Happy New Year!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! God's blessings to you and your family.

I hope you are having a great week!

1. The next time the pep band will play will be Friday, January 18.

2. Solo and ensemble people make sure you are working on your music, let me know if you have any questions.

3. All solo and ensemble performers should sign up to meet with Mr. Vanden Berg once during Winterim Week. You can sign up with your group. Please sign up here. For those who are having a difficult time finding a time because of an internship or other reason, send me an email and we will see what we can work out.

4. We are moving solo and ensemble recital night to Monday, January 21 from 6 to 8:45 p.m. It will be in the band/orchestra and choir rooms at HCHS. Please sign up for your performance time here. All solo and ensemble performers should take part in this event. You will only need to be at this event for your time slot.

Thank you!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

Pep Band and Christmas concert coming!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

Our first pep band is tonight at the Civic Center!

1. Be at the Civic Center by 6:30 p.m. and be ready to help unload equipment from the trailer. We will play before the varsity game and at half time. Pep band members remember to take your instrument home from school today and don't forget your lyre. We will play from the stage with lyres and not music stands.

2. This Friday's game pep band will play at half time of girl's varsity, between games, and at half time of the boy's varsity so please be at the Civic by 6:15 p.m.

3. This Friday at 7:00 a.m. we will have an all orchestra required rehearsal to help prepare for next week's concert.

4. Here are a few notes about next week's concert and rehearsal.

Concert Rehearsal

Friday, December 14, 3:30-5:00pm

Jack H. Miller Center, Hope College

-Mandatory attendance for all band/orchestra student

-No Performance Attire Required

-Busing will be provided at 3:00pm for students who need to travel to and from HCHS and Hope College.

Concert Performances

Saturday, December 15, 2:00pm and 4:00pm

Jack H. Miller Center, Hope College

-Mandatory attendance for all band/orchestra students at both concerts
-All students must meet in the band/orchestra room at 1:30pm.

-Students will need a water bottle and may bring a snack to eat in between performances. There will not be time for students to leave the campus to get anything to eat.

-Students are encouraged to carpool and asked to park on the nearby streets to leave room in the parking lots for those who need closer proximity to the building.

Thank you!

-- 

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

Looking forward to Advent/Christmas events!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving and happy snow day!

1. Please note the location of our Christmas concert this year.

The High School Music Department invites you to its annual band, orchestra and choir Christmas concert on Saturday, December 15, at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts, located on the campus of Hope College. We will be offering two performance times for those who would like to attend: one at 2:00 p.m. and one at 4:00 p.m. Follow this link to make a free reservation for which concert you would like to attend. Those who do not have access to the internet will be able to make reservations through the high school front office. The number of reservations for each of the performances will be limited. In this way we hope to be able to offer a seat to everyone who would like to attend. We look forward to sharing in the celebration of our Savior’s birth through our music.

2. Band and Orchestra students have an opportunity to volunteer, help a great cause and earn service hours! Help move toys for the Central Wesleyan Church's Christmas Store on Wednesday, Dec. 5 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. I will have a paper sign up in class on Tuesday and Wednesday. Every year, the Christmas Store ensures that nearly 400 families have access to great Christmas gifts for their children as well as the opportunity to experience the gift of Jesus.

Read more at: https://www.centralwesleyan.org/christmas-store

3. Last chance to register to participate in district solo and ensemble festival, don't miss out. Sign up here.

4. Join the HCHS Chamber Orchestra as they assist worship services at Central Ave. CRC on Dec. 2 at 5:00 p.m. and at Pillar Church (at Dimnent Chapel) on Dec. 9 at 10:00 a.m.

Thank you!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

Solo and Ensemble Festival, STNA, and more!

Dear band and Orchestra students and parents,

I hope you are enjoying the beautiful fall colors.

1. Solo and Ensemble Registration is open! All band and orchestra students are urged to consider trying solo and ensemble festival out! Please fill out this form if you would be interested in participating. 

The event is on Saturday, February 9 at Zeeland East High School and it only takes a short amount of time that day.  See more info at this link. We will talk more about this in class as well.

Fill this form out by Friday!

2. Don't forget Swingin' the Night Away is Friday evening! We hope to see you there.

3. You are welcome to join HCHS and the Symphonic Band for our Veteran's Day Assembly on Monday, November 12 from 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., help us to thanks our community's veterans for their service.

    -Symphonic band members remember your band uniform for Monday's Veteran's Day Assembly.

4. We need your help!

If you are willing to help donate candy for us to sell as concessions at the musical sign up here.

5. Please take a minute to check out this soup/ham sale information which also contains quick info about the HS band/orchestra semi-annual Florida trip.

6. Check out this link to find our band and orchestra individual, section, and group photos!

Thank you!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

Pictures and Pep Band this week and Concerts Coming Soon!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you are enjoying the fall weather. Here are a few notes about the upcoming weeks.

1. Butterbraid pick up has been changed to Thursday, 10/18 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on main street. Remember that your order arrives frozen so you will want to freeze soon after picking it up.

2. Friday is band and orchestra picture day. Group pictures will happen during the respective class periods. Uniforms will be kept at school until pictures, but please make a plan to take uniforms home on Friday after school or on Monday. Students will need to bring appropriate footwear for pictures including dress shoes and for guys - black socks (no tennis shoes or white socks please).

3. Friday is our last football pep band. Pizza at 6:00 p.m. and playing in the stands at 6:30 p.m.

4. We are looking forward to our HS Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Orchestra Fall Pops Concert on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the HS auditorium. Call time will be 7:00 p.m. for musicians.

-Help us spread the word!

Come and celebrate Holland Christian High School's Festival of Fine Arts! From student sculptures to the movie music, from choral anthems to the deep sounds of the tuba, prepare to enjoy a rich diversity of the arts. The Band and Orchestra Fall Pops Concert is on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the HS Auditorium. The Choir Concert is on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. also in the auditorium. The Fall Art Exhibition will be on display in Main Street from Oct. 29- Nov. 5. Come eat cookies, listen to music, and soak in art!

-- 

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

Band and Orchestra Retreat!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

1. We are looking forward to tomorrow and the retreat! We will be meeting by the band/orchestra room tomorrow with the bus planning to depart at 5:45 p.m. and dinner at Camp Geneva at 6:15 p.m. Please plan for cool weather. Check out the packing list from the last blog post.

2. Thank you to our chaperons for helping out!

Mary Greydanus, Janet Jenosky, Jennifer Kamper, Brenda Schloff, my wife Susan Vanden Berg, and of course....me.

3. We will be back at school on Friday by 6:00 p.m. and the pep band will play at the football game!

Thank you,

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

Fees and a scholarship

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you are having a great week! 

Here is the nitty gritty info about fees and the music lesson scholarship for band and orchestra.

1. Chaperons are needed for our fall retreat! Please email me if you are willing to help out.

2. The Band, Orchestra, Choir Parent Board (BOC) is offering music lesson scholarships. Follow this link and fill one out if you are interested. The deadline is Monday, September 24. The scholarships awarded may be used immediately or for later in the school year.

3. Here is an important note about the fall retreat and a consent form to print off and fill out and return to school with a check for $45 by Monday, September 24. This retreat is for all band and orchestra students. The fee will cover the cost of food and facilities at Camp Geneva and can be mailed to HCHS or dropped in the designated envelope in the band/orchestra room. We are looking forward to this time together. Please communicate with me if you are in need of financial assistance. 

4. Band and Orchestra uniform fitting is coming soon and will happen during band and orchestra class periods.

Each fall band and orchestra students are assessed a uniform fee which covers uniform alterations, repairs, marching shoes and gloves, and dry cleaning. The shoes and gloves are for band marching uniforms only. This fee will be due by Thursday, September 27. It is $15 for orchestra and $25 for band. Please communicate with me if you are in need of financial assistance. Please designate uniform fee in the memo line of the check. This fee can be mailed to HCHS or dropped in the designated envelope in the band/orchestra room. 

-Band and Orchestra guys will need black dress shoes and black socks for their tuxedo and girls will need appropriate footwear for their black dresses. These items are not provided. 

-Brass, woodwind, and percussion members of the symphonic orchestra only need to pay the band uniform fee, not both.

5. Each fall students who are using a school owned instrument are assessed a rental fee of $60. This fee covers a portion of the cost of repairs and maintenance. Students who switch instruments to help with the balance of the band or orchestra are given a waiver on this fee for the first year. Those checks are due on Thursday, September 27. Please communicate with me if you are in need of financial assistance. Please designate instrument rental in the memo line of the check. This fee can be mailed to HCHS or dropped in the designated envelope in the band/orchestra room.

Thank you!

-- 

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

First Pep Band, lesson sign up, calendar info.

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

1. Pep band tonight, pizza and pop at 6:00 p.m., playing in the stands at 6:30 p.m.! 

    -we will play before the game, at the quarter, when we score, and at half time

    -after halftime we will pack up and put stuff away

    -after halftime the band/orchestra room will be locked so be sure you don't leave personal belongings that you will need for the weekend.

2. Now is a great time to start taking lessons on your instrument. I am starting weekly lessons after school next week and many local teachers are as well. You can get help if the music is overwhelming, you can prepare for auditions, scholarships, solo and ensemble festival, and/or all state auditions. I will be available for lessons on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays after school or I can connect you with many wonderful local instructors/specialists on your instrument. Connect with me via email soon to be sure you get the time slot that works best for your schedule. svandenberg@hollandchristian.org

3. Parents and students, please be sure that the dates from the August 24 blog post are added to your family calendars. Please fill out the form linked below to verify that you have signed off on the dates and also use this form to communicate any calendar conflicts for this year. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

This form is due by Monday, September 10:

https://goo.gl/forms/oojj57ZfJRX8RQH22

4. Just a reminder, it would be good for everyone save a link to this calendar. It is the instrumental music calendar from the HCS website and it is the place that you can get the most up to date information through out the year on concert start times, student call times, and concert locations. (You do have to scroll down a little.) You can now subscribe to this calendar to have it added to your own calendar.

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

Everything (or almost everything) you need to know for 2018-19!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

Congratulations on completion of your first week! I hope your weekend is restful.

This blog has a lot of important information. Think of this blog post as the instrumental music handbook. I will also go over the schedules and the retreat next week in class to help clarify any questions that you might have. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. 

1. Links to concert dates and other important event dates:

Concert Band

Symphonic Band

Orchestra

All Groups - (except pep band)

Pep Band

2. Please save this link to the band and orchestra page and calendar on the HCS website. It contains the most up-to-date information about upcoming events.

Next week we will begin some of our early morning groups. Our first event is pep band next Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at HCHS.

3. This document is a description of the many opportunities for instrumental musicians at HCHS. It includes descriptions of pep band, marching band, symphonic orchestra, solo and ensemble festival, jazz band, pit orchestra and more. There are so many opportunities for our music students to encounter through the year. Take a minute to check them out.

4. Next week we begin our some of our early morning groups. See the schedule for morning rehearsals below.

Monday: Jazz Orchestra 7:15 a.m.

Tuesday: Jazz Band - 7:15 a.m, begins on Sept. 11

Wednesday: Folk Music Ensemble 7:15 a.m.

Wednesday: Percussion Ensemble/Drumline 7:30 a.m. (only symphonic band percussion)

Thursday: Jazz Orchestra - 7:15 a.m.

Friday: Symphonic Orchestra - 7:00 a.m., begins on Sept. 7

5. Sign up here if you are interested in being part of the pit orchestra! (see description in #3 above)

6. Chaperons are needed for the retreat on September 27 and 28. Email me if you are available and interested.

svandenberg@hollandchristian.org

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

Welcome to a New Year!

Welcome, HCHS band and orchestra students and parents!

I hope you are enjoying your summer. I am looking forward to soon seeing familiar faces, getting to know new students, and making great music. Last year was a wonderful year, and we are looking forward to more laughs and fun this coming year. We are especially looking forward to having Freshman and other new students join us!

Here are a few dates for you to put on your calendar:

1. RETREAT: The HCHS bands and orchestra are looking forward to a retreat at Camp Geneva this year. We'll have a weekend of eating good food, playing games, getting to know each other, and making music together. This retreat is always a great time. You won't want to miss it. Please mark your calendars now for this special weekend event, from Thursday, September 27 at 5:00 p.m. to Friday, September 28 at 5:00 p.m. Logistical and other details to come soon.

2. PEP BAND: For all concert band and symphonic band members, there will be a combined pep band practice on Monday, August 20 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in the band/orchestra room. We will have a few new fun pep band tunes and ice cream. We play for the Thursday, Aug. 31, home football game. 

3. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Thursday, August 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (or any portion of this time) we are in need of some student volunteers to help fill folders with music and prepare the band/orchestra room for the new year. Email me know if you are interested and available. Lunch and ice cream are on Mr. Vanden Berg!
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org 

I will have a new blog entry soon with this year's concert dates to put on your calendar. 

Thank you!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

Summer!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

1. Thank you to our wonderful band members for their sweat and hard work for the noble cause of honoring those who died serving our country!

2. Have a wonderful summer!

3. Mrs. Redder is here one more day to collect your uniforms. Don't forget to drop them off tomorrow! :)

4. Next year's concert schedule is on the band and orchestra calendar for a sneak peak!

https://www.hollandchristian.org/arts/band-orchestra

God be with you till we meet again!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

Memorial Day and Uniform Turn In (it is almost summer!)

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

We are grateful for the opportunity to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our country. Memorial Day is a chance for us to pause and remember. 

1. Here is your Memorial Day Parade information for Monday. Please be sure to check uniforms and instruments ahead of time. I will be at school from 7:45 to 7:50 a.m. on Memorial Day morning and you can meet me there if you forgot something.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MFV4tC_A9hrgbZ3fe1jEn0P9JKGvtFLI0SfZvyRasR8/edit?usp=sharing

2. Please turn in your band/orchestra uniform during these times:

Tuesday, May 29 from 8 am to 12 pm

Wednesday, May 30 from 8 am to 12 pm

Hat Box needs to contain:

-Suspenders, plume, cardboard plume tube, gloves, rain coat

Marching Uniform info:

-Shoes – Seniors please turn in shoes

Concert Uniforms

-Tuxes need to have the pants, jacket, vest, shirt, tie

-Dresses

3. Did you know that symphonic band members can play with the Holland American Legion Band this summer? This community band gives concerts in Kollen Park every Tuesday evening and students can join in with little or no notice. The rehearsal immediately precedes the concert. It is loads of fun, more information is linked below:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c4huv8ljdeQkq9VStwk51rvXD4UG2yMN2g8z-xTn--E/edit?usp=sharing

4. Please do a quick check for an HCS music or instruments that you have at home. Please bring them to school. :)

5. Just a reminder that next year's calendar of band and orchestra activities is already in place for you to check out and plan ahead.

https://www.hollandchristian.org/arts/band-orchestra/

6. Be the first to sign up for summer lessons and get your pick of the day and time! For more info follow this link.

http://goo.gl/forms/jIYbPIOhGI

Thank you!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

Concert Week!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

I am looking forward to our year end concerts and a time to share the stage for a last time with our seniors.

1. This week's orchestra concert is at 7:00 p.m. with student call time at 6:45 p.m., we will meet in the Jack H. Miller band/orchestra room.

2. This week's band concert is at 7:30 p.m. with student call time at 7:00 p.m., we will meet in the Jack H. Miller band/orchestra room.

3. Orchestra (ww/brass/perc as well) will rehearse during the day on Tuesday with the 4th - 8th grade orchestra students in the gym immediately after convocation to prepare for our combined number on Tuesday evening.

    -We will also have a pizza lunch together so we can rehearse with combined ww/brass/perc and strings during the HCHS lunch. Students who don't want pizza will need a sack lunch on Tuesday.

    -We will talk through these details tomorrow in class.

Thank you!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

Here comes May!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

Here comes May!

1. This Friday and next Friday are early orchestra rehearsals for all orchestra members at 7 a.m. at HCHS in the band/orchestra room.

2. Tulip Time is just around the corner. Here is your important information about marching in the parades. Uniforms will be handed out the beginning of next week.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I9kXKyXUi3aln-Z_Is9skd8NchuIxYcBo52lX-DWSI4/edit?usp=sharing

3. The jazz orchestra and chamber orchestra will perform at a combined area HS concert called Dazzle at Central Wesleyan Church on Tuesday, May 8 at 8:00 p.m. Jazz orchestra call time is 7:30 p.m. and chamber orchestra call time is 8:00 p.m.

Here is the information that jazz orchestra and chamber orchestra need for that day. See rehearsal schedule for the morning of the 8th in this link.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FZVaUXcATo5fa3wDoy-GtRmMVAHYdJNx_L9ZW9bbhwI/edit?usp=sharing

For those interested in finding out more about the event or purchasing tickets, here is a link with information.

https://www.tuliptime.com/events/dazzle

4. You are invited to join the Holland Christian School Orchestras in the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts (221 Columbia Ave, Holland, MI 49423) on Tuesday, May 15 at 7:00 pm. This concert will feature a musical variety including Beauty and the Beast, a grand composition by Johannes Brahms, a new composition by student Andrew Gretzinger. See the wonderful progression from 4th to high school orchestras, a beautiful picture of education at Holland Christian.

5. Join the Holland Christian High School Bands as they present their Spring Concert on Thursday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts (221 Columbia Ave, Holland, MI 49423). Enjoy jazz music, the Holland Christian drumline, the sounds of the movie Moana, the music of Mozart and Puccini, and a tribute to our seniors. 

6. Be the first to sign up for summer lessons and get your pick of the day and time! For more info follow this link.

http://goo.gl/forms/jIYbPIOhGI

-- 

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

Oratorio, marching, and symphonic orchestra info!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

Thank you to orchestra students for your flexibility as it relates to our rescheduling of tomorrow's performance.

1. Here is some updated information concerning bus transportation and livestream footage of the concert for tomorrow afternoon:

Bus Transportation

There will be a bus to bring students from school to Christ Memorial Church and then back to school after the concert if necessary. Students who need to ride the bus to the concert should plan on boarding the bus at 12:45pm. Students who will be staying at school between dismissal and the concert should also plan on bringing a sack lunch and their concert attire to school. 

Livestream

The concert will be livestreamed on the HC Facebook page for those who cannot attend but could watch it live. The concert will begin at 1:30pm. If you are unable to attend and unable to watch the livestream video we will have a video taken of the concert that I can share with you later on if interested.

2. Next year's band and orchestra calendar is in place! As you are making your plans for next year feel free to check it out. Our band and orchestra retreat next year is on the evening of September 27 to the evening of September 28th at Camp Geneva. 

https://www.hollandchristian.org/arts/band-orchestra

3. We are planning on the weather being warm enough for outside marching next week so bring warm clothes. :)

4. Tomorrow morning is our regular symphonic orchestra rehearsal at 7:00 a.m. We will end by 7:45 a.m. so students can find their grandparents.

5. Remember that the early symphonic orchestra rehearsals on May 4 and 11 are for all strings, brass, woodwind, and percussion!

Thanks!

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

Last Florida info, marching info, and full orchestra rehearsal dates

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

1. Here is the early rehearsal schedule for next week

Monday: No early rehearsals

Tuesday: Jazz Band and Jazz Orchestra, please arrive by 7:10, instrument out and seated by 7:14 a.m., we have a guest instructor. :)

Wednesday: Disney Orchestra rehearsal at 7:30 a.m. (no chamber orchestra)

Thursday: Disney Symphonic Band rehearsal at 7:15 a.m.

2. Here is your Florida information about check in, meeting, and loading.

-Lets plan to check in everyone's instrument, music folder, and entire concert uniform on Thursday during symphonic band and orchestra class periods

-Your uniform garment bag should have everything for your uniform in it including shoes and socks. Guys will not be bringing tux jackets. Please leave them at home.

-If you are using your instrument for Easter weekend you may check your instrument in on Monday.

-Please arrive at school on Monday, April 2 by 7:45 a.m. so that we can check in and load your luggage. We will depart by 8:15 a.m.

3. Concert Band and Symphonic Band Marching begins in April! See the schedule here.

4. All orchestra students please plan on early rehearsals at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, May 4 and 11.

5. The orchestra's Oratorio rehearsal will be on Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Christ Memorial Church. Please be in the church by 7:00 a.m. There will be a bus to bring students back to HCHS at the conclusion of practice.

6. The orchestra (and choir) concert on Sunday will be at 2:00 p.m. Students should be at Christ Memorial Church by 1:30 p.m.

 -if anyone forgets their instrument or music at school they can meet me at church on Sunday at 12:45 p.m. 

Thank you!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

Congratulations and Band Extravaganza (oh and Florida coming soon)!

Dear band and orchestra students,

1. Congratulations to HCHS students who took part in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) State Solo and Ensemble Festival this past Saturday.  All of the students students received one of the top two ratings.

These students received the highest rating, a superior rating at the State Festival! 

Congratulations to Ryan Alford, Elise Bol, Ryan DeWitt, Matthew Dykstra, Andrew Gretzinger, Ashley Greydanus, Brooklyn Hirdes, Bethany Hulst, Andrea Jenosky, Jocelyn Kaczkowski, Daniel Koning, Aaron Kwon, Chloe Moralez, Savannah Page, Paul Quinn, Nathan Rogalske, Tucker Vanregenmorter, Joel VanZanten, Rachel Vroegop, Ben Walters, Karis Walters and Elizabeth Winn.

The performance of these individuals involved not only the performing of a solo, but also a proficiency exam involving scales and sight reading. Matthew Dykstra, Andrew Gretzinger, Ashley Greydanus, Andrea Jenosky, Jocelyn Kaczkowski, Ben Walters, Karis Walters and Elizabeth Winn all received scores that landed them in the highest category, superior performances!

Congratulations to all of HCHS students who participated at State! Ryan Alford, Elise Bol, Bethany Bulthuis, Allan DeBoer, Ryan DeWitt, Matthew Dykstra, Andrew Gretzinger, Ashley Greydanus, Jacob Heeres, Brooklyn Hirdes, Bethany Hulst, Andrea Jenosky, Jocelyn Kaczkowski, Daniel Koning, Aaron Kwon, Chloe Moralez, Savannah Page, Paul Quinn, Nathan Rogalske, Tucker Vanregenmorter, Joel VanZanten, James Viel, Rachel Vroegop, Ben Walters, Karis Walters and Elizabeth Winn.

2. The symphonic band is performing an assembly/chapel at Rose Park Elementary tomorrow morning. The bus will depart from the high school at 7:55 a.m. or students for whom it is easier can meet us at Rose Park by 8:05 a.m. The bus will also bring students back to HCHS afterward.

3. Thursday morning all band students should be at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts by 8:00 a.m. in the main auditorium. A bus will bring them back to school. The call time for the evening performance will be 6:30 p.m.

4. Come one, come all to the Holland Christian Schools Band Extravaganza for a wonderful night of music this Thursday, March 22.  HC's 5th, 6th, Middle School, and High School Bands will perform at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts on Hope College's campus at 7:00 p.m. Hear a wide variety of musical styles and sounds and you won't want to miss the closer, a premier of a new composition featuring over 200 musicians combined!

Come and enjoy our preconcert recital of State Solo and Ensemble standouts from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the lobby!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

STNA, State, Florida!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

1. We are still in need of donations and volunteers for Swingin' the Night Away tomorrow! Thanks to those who already signed up.

Sign up to donate a dessert with this form.

https://goo.gl/forms/uVXmvvOmIEeIskoN2

Sign up on this form to volunteer at with serving at STNA!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f084dabaa23a1fc1-november

2. Please sign up to help out with food donations for the Florida trip.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0f4caeac2f4-hchs2

3. Invite your friends and family to our the band concert next week Thursday!

4.  Congratulations to HCHS band and orchestra students participating in State Solo and Ensemble Festival on Saturday. Congratulations to  Ryan Alford, Elise Bol, Bethany Bulthuis, Allan DeBoer, Ryan DeWitt, Matthew Dykstra, Andrew Gretzinger, Ashley Greydanus, Brooklyn Hirdes, Bethany Hulst, Andrea Jenosky, Jocelyn Kaczkowski, Daniel Koning, Aaron Kwon, Elise Laarman, Jaclyn Meyer, Chloe Moralez, Savannah Page, Paul Quinn, Nathan Rogalske, Tucker Vanregenmorter, Joel VanZanten, James Viel, Rachel Vroegop, Ben Walters, Karis Walters and Elizabeth Winn. They have already achieved so much!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

Clinics and Florida!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed the sunshine today.

Don't forget the alumni vs. staff game/fundraiser on Saturday at 7:00 p.m., come on out and join the fun!

1. Tuesday, February 27 HCHS Symphonic Band at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts

8:00 a.m. meet at Hope College

8:05 a.m. clinic with Dr. Gabe Southard

9:15 a.m. HC vans back to HCHS or those who drove to clinic can drive back to HCHS.

2. Wednesday, February 28 HCHS Concert Band at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts

8:25 a.m. meet at Hope College

8:30 a.m. clinic with Dr. Gabe Southard and Battle of the Bands with Unity Christian (not really a battle, but it sounds funner this way)

10:15 a.m. bus back to HCHS

3. Join in our Easter ham sale to benefit the Florida trip. Here is the order form. This is a group fundraiser to help us reach our goal!

4. Monday night March 5 is our parent and student meeting for our Florida trip. Please plan to meet in the auditorium at 7:00 p.m. and have along insurance information for the emergency consent form. You will also get to meet your chaperon and find out more about our trip.

5. Here is the itinerary for our Florida trip!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

A look ahead at events through March.

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

1. Concert Band students, remember that we will meet at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts on Wednesday, February 28 at 8:25 a.m. There will be a bus to bring students back to school after our clinic.

2. Have you ever seen Mr. Vanden Berg drain a 3 pointer or do a windmill dunk? Have you seen the grace of Mr. Koeman's fade away jump shot? If not, you will not want to miss the Holland Christian Staff vs. Holland Christian Alumni basketball game on Saturday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are $5 at the door and will help to raise money for our Florida trip, help us to tip our fundraising total over the top!

-There will be games for young children and a raffle to win an Easter Ham. 

-All Florida bound band/orchestra members are required to attend to help out with this event.

-The pep band will perform!

3. Congratulations to the 48 HCHS band and orchestra students participated in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) District Solo and Ensemble Festival on February 10!  All of these students received one of the top two ratings. (many of them are pictured at the top of the blog.

These 30 individuals qualified to perform at State on March 17.  Congratulations to  Ryan Alford, Elise Bol, Bethany Bulthuis, Allan DeBoer, Ryan DeWitt, Matthew Dykstra, Andrew Gretzinger, Ashley Greydanus, Jacob Heeres, Brooklyn Hirdes, Bethany Hulst, Andrea Jenosky, Jocelyn Kaczkowski, Daniel Koning, Aaron Kwon, Elise Laarman, Lyndsey Leegwater, Sydney Leegwater, Jaclyn Meyer, Chloe Moralez, Savannah Page, Paul Quinn, Nathan Rogalske, Tucker Vanregenmorter, Joel VanZanten, James Viel, Rachel Vroegop, Ben Walters, Karis Walters and Elizabeth Winn.

Congratulations to our fine musicians!

4. Florida bound families: March 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the HS auditorium is the date for the Florida Parent and Student Meeting. Please put this on your calendars. We need all Florida bound students and at least one parent at this meeting. Please contact me if you are not able to attend.

5. The biannual Swingin’ the Night Away is Friday, March 16, 6:45 pm- 9:30 pm in the HS Cafeteria. Free dance instructions from 6:45 pm - 7:30 pm.  Enjoy intergenerational fun, dancing, desserts and beverages from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm.  Tickets are $5 at the door.  

Enjoy swing music of Glenn Miller, Funk tunes, Afro-Cuban influenced music, and a vocal soloist!

6. We need your help with the upcoming Swingin' the Night Away!

Sign up to donate a dessert with this form.

https://goo.gl/forms/uVXmvvOmIEeIskoN2

Sign up on this form to volunteer at with serving at STNA!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f084dabaa23a1fc1-november

7. Come one, come all to the Holland Christian Schools Band Extravaganza for a wonderful night of music this Thursday, March 22.  HC's 5th, 6th, Middle School, and High School Bands will perform at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts on Hope College's campus at 7:00 pm. Hear a wide variety of musical styles and sounds and you won't want to miss the closer, featuring 250 musicians combined!

Thanks,

Mr. VB

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867

February events (and a peak into March)

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

Here are the upcoming events for the month of February. Friends and family are warmly invited to all of these events. Though the orchestra and concert band events are during the day and are less formal events, it is a wonderful way to see you children hard at work making music in a beautiful setting.

In the clinics our students will perform their songs on stage and be given feed back on their performance from professors. They will also get a chance to try to improve their performance based on what they learned.  

1. Saturday, February 10 we have over 50 students in solo and ensemble festival at West Ottawa HS!

2. Saturday, February 10 the HCHS Symphonic Band at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts

2:40 - 3:20 p.m. rehearsal with Holland American Legion Band

6:30 p.m. call time for concert

7:00 p.m. concert

3. Wednesday, February 21 HCHS Symphonic Orchestra at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts

10:30 a.m. bus departs HCHS

11:00 a.m. clinic with Dr. Fashun at Hope College

TBA bus back to HCHS

4. Wednesday, February 28 HCHS Concert Band at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts

8:25 a.m. meet at Hope College

8:40 a.m. clinic with Dr. Gabe Southard and Battle of the Bands with Unity Christian (not really a battle, but it sounds funner this way)

10:15 a.m. bus back to HCHS

5. There will not be a concert on February 21 or February 26.

6. Florida bound families: March 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the HS auditorium is the date for the Florida Parent and Student Meeting. Please put this on your calendars. We need all Florida bound students and at least one parent at this meeting. Please contact me if you are not able to attend.

Thank you!

--

Scott Vanden Berg
svandenberg@hollandchristian.org
Director of Instrumental Music
Holland Christian High School
Director of the Holland American Legion Band

616-212-8867