Last concert reminders!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

Have a great weekend!

1. Please take your instrument and music home today and practice your part over the weekend to prepare for our Tuesday Christmas concert. 

2. Tuesday, Dec. 17

7:15 a.m. Concert Band and Concert Orchestra meet at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts

7:45 a.m. Symphonic Band and Symphonic Orchestra meet at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts

Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts

221 Columbia Ave, Holland, MI 49423

For the morning rehearsal you can enter the JHM through the back door (rear parking lot/loading dock area) or the front doors (big glass entry) nearest to the corner of 10th and Columbia. The rear doors will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and we will have someone posted through the first half of our rehearsal at the front NE door to let people.

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

3. Volunteers are needed for the concert on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Sign up here to help greeting/programs handing out and offering at the 6:00 p.m. concert.

Sign up here to help greeting/programs handing out and offering at the 7:45 p.m. concert.

Tuesday, Dec. 17 

All HCHS Bands and Orchestras Christmas Concert at 6:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. (2 concerts)

Wednesday, Dec. 18

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

Thanks!

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/

December events are coming!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

We are looking forward to upcoming performances!

1. Symphonic Orchestra details for Sunday. We will wear our concert black.

Pillar Church - Some (not all) symphonic orchestra strings and folk ensemble

7:30 a.m. Arrive

9:00 a.m. 1st service

10:30 a.m. 2nd service

Central Ave. Christian Reformed Church - All symphonic orchestra strings and folk ensemble

3:45 p.m. arrive

5:00 p.m. service

2. On Tuesday, Dec. 17 all HCHS bands and orchestras will have a rehearsal at the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts in the morning so that we can prepare for the evening concert. Plan to meet at the Jack H. Miller at the times listed below. There will be buses to take students back to HCHS by the end of 2nd hour. Students can drive themselves back to school, but should not carpool back to school with other students unless it is with a sibling. There will be buses.

7:15 a.m. Concert Band and Concert Orchestra arrive at Jack H. Miller and rehearse

7:45 a.m. Symphonic Band and Symphonic Orchestra arrive at Jack H. Miller and rehearse and then all groups do combined number rehearsal

3. Volunteers are needed for the concert on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Sign up here to help greeting/programs handing out and offering at the 6:00 p.m. concert.

Sign up here to help greeting/programs handing out and offering at the 7:45 p.m. concert.

Check out these upcoming events

Sunday, Dec. 8 

Symphonic Orchestra (some members) and folk ensemble at Pillar Church 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. 

Symphonic Orchestra (all strings) and folk ensemble at Central Ave. CRC at 5:00 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 9

Jazz Orchestra plays at LifeCircle at 10:15 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 17 

All HCHS Bands and Orchestras Christmas Concert at 6:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. (2 concerts)

Wednesday, Dec. 18

Symphonic Orchestra at HCS staff Christmas gathering 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in HCHS cafeteria

Monday, Feb. 3 

Solo and Ensemble recital night (only those signed up for solo and ensemble festival, students will sign up for time between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.) at HCHS band/orchestra/choir rooms

Wednesday, Feb. 5 

Symphonic Orchestra at Worship Symposium at 1:00 p.m. at the Calvin University Fine Arts Center

Saturday, Feb. 8 

Solo and Ensemble Festival at Wyoming HS (only those signed up for solo and ensemble festival, you will be assigned a time based on your request)

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"

Upcoming Events

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Here are some events to look forward to.

1. Holiday Ham Sale, money goes toward the students' cost for the Florida trip, quick turn around as these are due Monday. See form linked here.

2. Check out these upcoming events

Sunday, Dec. 8 

Symphonic Orchestra (just some members) and folk ensemble at Pillar Church 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. 

Symphonic Orchestra (all strings) and folk ensemble at Central Ave. CRC at 5:00 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 9

Jazz Orchestra plays at LifeCircle at 10:15 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 17 

All HCHS Bands and Orchestras Christmas Concert at 6:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. (2 concerts)

Wednesday, Dec. 18

Symphonic Orchestra at HCS staff Christmas gathering 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in HCHS cafeteria

Monday, Feb. 3 

Solo and Ensemble recital night (only those signed up for solo and ensemble festival, students will sign up for time between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.) at HCHS band/orchestra/choir rooms

Wednesday, Feb. 5 

Symphonic Orchestra at Worship Symposium at 1:00 p.m. at the Calvin University Fine Arts Center

Saturday, Feb. 8 

Solo and Ensemble Festival at Wyoming HS (only those signed up for solo and ensemble festival, you will be assigned a time based on your request)

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"

Opportunities for help and to see our groups perform!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

Thank you so much for your excellent work last week! We are looking forward to upcoming events and need your help!

1. We need a couple volunteers to help with a ham sale (ham distribution) on Dec. 12 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., we would like to offer this as a way for kids to raise money for Florida next year. Please contact jjenosky@hollandchristian.org

2. We are going to start raising money for Florida 2026 by selling concessions at the musical. We would love it if you could donate some candy or water. Sign up here! Donations needed soon. Those who can help sell concessions sign up here.

3. The High School Music Department invites you to its annual band, orchestra and choir Christmas concert Tuesday, December 17 in the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts, located on the campus of Hope College. We will be offering two performance times: 6:00 pm and 7:45 pm. General admission is free and no reservations are necessary. We look forward to sharing in the celebration of our Savior’s birth through our music!

4. Did you know? The HCHS Symphonic Orchestra is excited to have been invited to help lead the opening worship service for the annual conference, the Calvin Symposium on Worship. This is a conference that gathers worshipers from across Canada, the United States, and around the world to learn about worship.
The orchestra will take part in the Symposium worship service on Wednesday, February 5 at 1:00 p.m. at the Calvin University Fine Arts Center.

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"

Help needed tomorrow and looking ahead!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

Excellent concert on Tuesday night! I am so proud of the hard work of the students!

1. We are still in need of helpers for Swingin' the Night Away for clean up and cheesecake donations! Sign up here if you can help out. See you tomorrow at Swingin' the Night Away!

2. Monday, Nov. 11 symphonic band students are taking part in the Veterans Day assembly at HCHS. Symphonic band students should come to school in their concert uniform and head right to the gym at 8:00 a.m. for a combined practice with the Holland American Legion Band members.

3. Here is a recording of our concert from Tuesday. https://vimeo.com/1026738748?share=copy

4. New! Get your HCHS music sweatshirts, t-shirts, jackets, vests linked here at the HCHS Music Online Apparel Shop! 

5. The High School Music Department invites you to its annual band, orchestra and choir Christmas concert Tuesday, December 17 in the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts, located on the campus of Hope College. We will be offering two performance times: 6:00 pm and 7:45 pm. General admission is free and no reservations are necessary. We look forward to sharing in the celebration of our Savior’s birth through our music!

6. Did you know? The HCHS Symphonic Orchestra is excited to have been invited to help lead the opening worship service for the annual conference, the Calvin Symposium on Worship. This is a conference that gathers worshipers from across Canada, the United States, and around the world to learn about worship. 

The orchestra will take part in the Symposium worship service on Wednesday, February 5 at 1:00 p.m. at the Calvin University Fine Arts Center.

7. We will take a day off from early morning jazz orchestra rehearsal on Tuesday, Nov. 12. 

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"

Concert week!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

It is concert week!

1. All band and orchestra students should arrive tomorrow (Tuesday) by 7:00 p.m. in their tux/dress with appropriate footwear (see Sept. 30 post about footwear). The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

2. We need your help with Swingin' the Night Away on Friday! Please sign up to help out or donate desserts here.

3. Invite your friends and family to join us for the Fall Pops Concert on Tuesday HS Bands & Orchestra Concert: 7:30 pm in the HS Auditorium and also to Swingin' the Night Away on Friday! 

4. New! Get your HCHS music sweatshirts, t-shirts, jackets, vests linked here at the HCHS Music Online Apparel Shop! 

5. Check out pictures here from our HCHS band/orchestra students from picture day!

6. Monday, Nov. 11 symphonic band students are taking part in the Veterans Day assembly at HCHS. Symphonic band students should come to school in their concert uniform and head right to the gym at 8:00 a.m. for a combined practice with the Holland American Legion Band members.

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"

Upcoming Performances!

Dear band and orchestra students and parents,

1. We have our first concert on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the HCHS auditorium. We need volunteers to hand out programs, take offering, and help serve refreshments after the concert. Please sign up here if you can help.

2. The jazz orchestra is performing with other local high school jazz ensembles, the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra and guest soloist Marcus Howell on Tuesday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the Harbor Lights Middle School Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at the door or here: hcjo.ludus.com

3. 8th grade through HCHS band and orchestra students are raising money to help support their next trip to Florida in 2026 and instrumental music education at HCHS. You may place your Butter Braid order or Sub order with a Band or Orchestra student. All forms are due back to school on Monday, October 28, 2024 (ignore the turn in dates on forms).  Thank you for supporting HCHS Band and Orchestra students!

4. See these announcements for upcoming performances and share with friends and family.

Upcoming Fine Arts Events - Celebrate Holland Christian High School’s Festival of Fine Arts—from student drawings and paintings to movie music, choral anthems, and the deep sounds of the tuba:

HS Bands & Orchestra Concert: Tuesday, November 5, 7:30 pm in the HS Auditorium.

HS Choir Concert: Thursday, November 7, 7:30 pm in the HS Auditorium

Swingin' the Night Away: Friday, November 8, 6:45-9 pm in the HCHS Cafeteria.

The Fall Art Exhibition is on display November 5-8 on Main Street.

Swingin' the Night Away
The Holland Christian Jazz Bands and the Old Timer’s Jazz Band are proud to present the Swingin’ the Night Away in the HCHS cafeteria on Friday, November 8, from 6:45 to 9 pm. Admission is $5, and goes to support the music program at HCHS. New to swing dancing? No worries! Dance instructors 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.

--

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"

Retreat, pep band, and planting tulips!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you are doing well!

Here are reminders and details on upcoming events.

1. Friday night pep band is for all band students. As we mentioned in class, if you can get lyre for your pep band music that would be great, Meyer Music sells these. We have the flip folders filled and ready to go with music. If you don't have a lyre you can bring a music stand to the bleachers.

2. Band and orchestra students can meet in the band/orchestra room before the Friday night football game for pizza at 6:00 p.m.

3. After the game retreat bound students will board the buses and head to Camp Geneva. Please email me if you would like your child to drive to Camp Geneva.

4. Here is the permission slip again which has a retreat packing list.

5. Parent pick up will be at Camp Geneva on Saturday at 11:00 a.m., there is no transportation back to HCHS.

6. Thank you Pete Heyboer, Steve VanDyk, Ben Wickstra, Lindsey Kerber, and Jessica Westra for chaperoning for our retreat this weekend!

7. Next week band and orchestra students will be volunteering for the city of Holland during class on Tuesday (band) and Wednesday (orchestra). We will be planting tulips on Washington Boulevard, 12th Street, and Kollen Park. Please plan to wear clothing that fits outdoor tulip planting on these days.

Thanks,

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"

Pictures, S & E sign up, and the Retreat

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you are doing well and enjoying the beautiful fall weather.

1. Did you know that band/orchestra students are getting fitted for their band/orchestra uniforms during their class periods? Guys will wear a tuxedo, vest, shirt, and tie and girls will wear a black dress. A special thanks to Carol Redder who has headed this up for many years! 

We will be taking pictures in uniform at school this Friday (Oct. 4). We will keep your uniform at school for you for pictures, but students should take the uniform home after school on Friday. All students will need to provide their own footwear appropriate to be worn with a tux or dress. Guys will need black dress shoes and socks and girls will need black flats or other appropriate dressy black footwear. No tennis shoes or white socks.

-Symphonic Orchestra: 7:00 a.m. 

-Symphonic Band pictures will be during class.
-Concert Band pictures will be taken during class

-Concert Orchestra pictures will be taken during class

2. Did you know that it is time to think about and start signing up for Solo and Ensemble Festival even though it doesn't happen until February 8? Mr. Vanden Berg will be talking about this in class this week. It is good to start planning for this now. 

Here is the form that you can use to sign up.

3. We need your help. Would you be able to donate/bring one of these items for the retreat next week? Donated items can be dropped off in Mr. VB's office by Thursday, Oct. 10.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4EA8AC2EA3FE3-51867345-2024#/

4. A special thank you to Pete Heyboer, Lindsey Kerber, Steve VanDyk, Ben Wickstra for helping to chaperone for the retreat. We still are in need of a couple more chaperones. Please email me if you can help out. svandenberg@hollandchristian.org

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"

Band/Orchestra fees and Schedule Verification Form

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you are doing well! This year is off to a wonderful start. 

1. You will see info about a number of payments and fees in this blog post. You can now pay all fees at this link. hollandchristian.org/pay You can also bring a check or cash to school. If you are paying by cash or check please designate what the payment is covering in the memo line of the check or on the sealed envelope for cash. This fee can be mailed to HCHS or placed in the designated envelope in the band/orchestra room (on my office door). The fees below are all due on Friday, September 27. Please communicate with me if you are in need of financial assistance or if you need more time.

2. We are having a band and orchestra retreat at Camp Geneva on Oct. 11 and 12. The retreat is not required, but it is a lot of fun. Please turn in forms and sign up for a room (on my door) by this week Friday.

Here is some more information and a permission slip for the retreat. We need chaperones. The cost for students is only $25 thanks to generous donations to HCHS bands/orchestras.

3. Each fall band and orchestra students are assessed a uniform fee that covers uniform alterations, repairs, marching shoes and gloves, and dry cleaning. (The shoes and gloves are for band marching uniforms only.) It is $15 for orchestra and $25 for band (2 marching and concert uniforms). Please communicate with me if you are in need of financial assistance. 

Additional notes: 

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

 

4. Each fall students who are using a school-owned instrument are assessed a rental fee of $60 for the year. 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. 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.

5. Parents and students, please be sure that the dates from the calendar/schedules in the last blog post and linked here are added to your family calendars. Please fill out the form linked here to verify that you have signed off on the dates and also use this form to communicate any calendar conflicts for this 24/25 school year. Thank you for taking the time to do this. Completion of this form is required. This form is due by Friday, September 20.

*Band and Orchestra Retreat is not a required event and does not impact student grades, but it is nice if you let us know if you have a conflict with these events for our planning purposes.

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"

Calendar/schedule Information and More!

 Dear band and orchestra students and parents!

I hope you are doing well and looking forward to your long weekend. It has been great making music together this week!

Here is a lot of important information. My apologies for the length of this blog entry. Grab a cup of coffee, tea or whatever your favorite beverage is....here we go.  :)

Save a link to this blog as a resource for information on what is coming for the bands and orchestras this year. I will always send you an email when I update the blog.

http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com/

1. I highly recommend taking lessons on your instrument this year, it is a great way to grow as a musician. You can do it for the year or just for a season. Here are a number of excellent musicians who are willing to share their expertise!  Mr. Veenstra, Mrs. Kruizenga, and I give lessons here at HC and we also have wonderful people to suggest to you. Some of these instructors give lessons right here at HCHS. Don't hesitate to reach out and ask if you have any questions or if we can help in any way.

HC Music Boosters offers a lesson scholarship and will pay for 8 lessons with highly qualified instructors. 

2. Here are links to concert dates and other important event dates. Please enter these dates into your family calendars:

Concert Band

Symphonic Band

Concert Orchestra 

Symphonic Orchestra

Symphonic Band and Orchestra (for students who are in both groups)

All Groups

3. 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 including time and location. Subscribe to the calendar on this page and all of the dates will automatically appear in your google calendar. When you get to the band/orchestra page, scroll down to see the calendar.

4. 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.

5. Here is the schedule for those involved in these early morning groups:

Tuesday: Jazz Orchestra - 7:10 a.m.

Wednesday: Coming Soon: the Pisgah Mountain Wanderers 

Thursday: Jazz Orchestra - 7:10 a.m.

Friday: Symphonic Orchestra - 7:00 a.m.

6. We are having a band and orchestra retreat at Camp Geneva on Oct. 11 and 12. The retreat is not required, but it is a lot of fun.

Here is some more information on the retreat. We will be in need of chaperons.

7. Last thing....I promise. :) 

10th-12th grade students are eligible to have participation in symphonic band or symphonic orchestra become a credit for honors symphonic band or honors symphonic orchestra. This would show up as an honors course on your transcript and be counted as an honors course for your grade point average. You would continue to be a member of the same class that you signed up for, but would have the opportunity to engage music more deeply and have it show up on your transcript. Many of you were already participating in the things that would make you eligible for honors distinction. 

Check out the information here on how to make this happen and scroll all the way to the bottom of the form to submit if you are interested in finding out more.

Thank you!

Mr. Vanden Berg

--

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"