Eight participating students created musical compositions based on artwork, which were then performed by the New Music Ensemble in front of a panel of judges. This year’s guest judge was Cindy Meyers Foley, the director and CEO of the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM). The original compositions were inspired by two art pieces from the museum’s exhibition “Climate Matters: Our Changing and Resilient Planet.” 

GVSU senior Joy Anderson submitted two, 60-second compositions for the ensemble to perform.

“I was so happy to hear my work being performed, and so incredibly excited and proud to hear my classmates’ and friends’ pieces,” Anderson said. 

Anderson added it was both fun and nerve-wrecking to be part of the competition, as the premiere of new compositions have the ability to make for an exciting performance.

“For these two compositions, I took the approach of creating a story in my head behind each artwork, (and) came up with a pre-composition plan about what I wanted the piece to sound like,” Anderson said. “After I had a clear picture of (the) form and mood of the pieces, I started putting notes on the page until I came up with something I liked.”

Noah Seim, a pianist in the New Music Ensemble, said it was an interesting experience to play music without knowing the composers. 

“As performers, we don’t know who the composers are, even though we’re playing their music,” said Seim. “We’re as oblivious as the audience.”

Having received composers’ submissions a number of weeks ago, the musicians had time to prepare for the performances. Seim felt there was a great amount of pressure on the ensemble to perform well because the pieces are entirely new compositions. 

“There’s a ton of pressure on the group to play because it (the event) carries the weight of being the first time the work has been performed,” Seim said. “I was really nervous about the resonance in the space.”

The judges choose the composition they felt best fit the exhibitions’ two pieces, with a cash prize being offered to three winners. The audience was also allowed to vote, with an additional prize handed out to the audience’s favorite pick. 

“My favorite part of the night was the time in between the final piece and when the judges finished their deliberation, while the audience’s votes were counted,” Seim said. “The air was really quite electric, as everyone was talking (and) excitedly discussing the pieces in anticipation (of) the final results.”

The first place award was given to Adam West, while the second place winner was Zach Haverkamp. Third place was given to David Grimard, who was also the Audience Favorite. A bonus award was given to Anderson for composing the 300th piece of the event’s history.

“This is such a unique experience that I am so grateful we have been given here at Grand Valley in our Music Department,” Anderson said.

In this guide to student musicians at GVSU, five artists have shared their passion for creating original music, along with their future aspirations. A list of additional student musicians follows, although this is by no means a comprehensive guide, as GVSU is home to many talented artists.

Anthony Erlandson

Anthony Erlandson is a senior at GVSU and a solo, pop artist who enjoys performing their original music on local stages. Erlandson has been making music their entire life, with their earliest musical experience being the GarageBand app. Since being introduced to making music, their creative process has developed over time.

“I make a full beat first or full instrumental,” Erlandson said. “Or, it’s 2:00 a.m. and I get an idea, and I just word-vomit into my Notes app.” 

Erlandson thinks their music is particularly unique, especially for the Grand Rapids area, which does not have an expansive local pop music scene.

“I want to make stuff you can play at the club and have fun,” Erlandson said. “Maybe the gay club, but still a club nonetheless.” 

As a solo artist, Erlandson has no plans to join a group, and wants to continue making music and performing for their own enjoyment and that of others.

“I love being a solo artist,” Erlandson said. “I don’t have to argue with people over sh*t.”

Outside of their performances, you can find and listen to their music on streaming services under Anthony Erlandson.

Julie’s Bones

Andy Lunn is a GVSU student who plays bass in the band Julie’s Bones, alongside group members Colin Overway, Violet Sisson and Duncan Lam. The alternative rock band writes and performs their own music on stages around the Midwest, with every member contributing to the songwriting process.  

“I’ve always wanted to experience and share the energy of the stage with as many people as possible,” Lunn said. “I grew up as a huge fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and their stage presence and sound shaped a lot of (who) I am now.” 

The group met as members of a high school jazz band’s rhythm section. All Julie’s Bones members are multi-instrumental, and will sometimes switch around the composition of the band by altering who plays what instrument. 

“I think West Michigan has a very particular alt-rock sound,” Lunn said. “Some have even ventured to call us Midwest emo in our delivery, which I don’t believe we are at a point to necessarily refuse.” 

Lunn said he is happiest when performing onstage with the group. He added that the band has helped each other through many difficult times over the years.

“I use the artistic process to express feelings that I don’t know how to show otherwise,” Lunn said. “In many ways, it is my most important outlet.”

Looking to the future, Julie’s Bones plans to grow together as musicians while continuing to create as a group, regardless of what genre they may morph into. They also hope to go on tours outside of the Midwest.

“I see us experimenting with songwriting techniques and I am very excited to share this growth with some of my best friends over these next few years,” Lunn said.

Julie’s Bones releases music on all major streaming services under the band’s name. They plan to keep performing in Grand Rapids while also expanding into shows at new venues. 

Silven

GVSU student Evan Arraut created the post-hardcore band Silven, in which he plays the drums, with his band members Alex Perez, Gabriel Jones and Trevor Buskard. The band members met through various informal gatherings, a history that has followed them into their songwriting process, which always begins with a jam session.

“We tend to start with instruments only,” Arraut said. “What we usually do is either one of the three string players bring a riff to practice, or sometimes we come up with it (the riff) on the spot, and we just jam off of it.” 

Post-hardcore is a punk rock genre that emphasizes creative expression, which the band takes seriously. After the band’s initial recorded run-throughs, their process involves trial and error to perfect their sound. 

“We record the whole thing and then just play it back to ourselves and pick up the best parts of it,” Arraut said. “Then, we reorganize it (the song) into an interesting structure so that it’s more appealing to the ear.”

Silven’s original music can be found on Spotify and Bandcamp. They also perform regularly in Grand Rapids at local venues.

Stephanie Dryburgh

Singer-songwriter Stephanie Dryburgh started writing songs in fifth grade that were inspired by her faith and mental health struggles. Dryburgh is involved in multiple off-campus worship groups.

“I have grown up doing music for a long time,” Dryburgh said. “I am a Christian, and I have anxiety and depression. (Music) is how I get my emotions out and how I process (them).”

Dryburgh said she hopes to inspire others through the music she produces, as she struggles with emotions and feelings that many others may experience as well.

“Hopefully I can produce (more songs) one day that people can relate to,” Dryburgh said.

Right now, Dryburgh only has one song released, but she is working toward producing more, and thinks that singing and songwriting will always play a part in her life. 

“It’s my kind of therapy,” Dryburgh said. “I used to make up melodies in my head and make up words, but now I do it mostly with piano.” 

Dryburgh’s favorite musical genres are country and pop, which is reflected in her songwriting. Her song, “I Want More” is available on streaming services under her name.

Lezzu

Devan Walker is a GVSU student who moonlights as musician Lezzu when releasing and performing beats. Walker began his journey in music when he was about eight years old. Over time, he turned his poems into freestyle rap and, eventually, into fully-produced songs. 

“I see no limits,” Walker said. “I just let my thoughts and the beat or melody guide my pen.”

While Walker said his music is seeped in emotion, he does not want to restrain himself to the idea of a genre. He added that he finds beauty in all types of music, but rap is the genre he gravitates toward.

“I see my music touching hearts all across the world, making bodies dance and jam,” Walker said. “I know this is what I am called to do for the rest of my life.”

Currently, Walker is working toward becoming even more independent and creative as an artist by learning new writing and producing processes. He added that faith, family and love are what guide the creation of his music.

“What inspires my music is God and the hardships and beauty of life,” Walker said. “The things I have been through in my life have made me a man who only wants to be the best version of himself and see the world for the beautiful place that it is.” 

Walker won the People’s Choice Award on March 12 at the annual GV’s Got Talent showcase, and he hopes to continue performing more live shows in the near future. His music can be found on all major streaming platforms under his stage name, Lezzu.

“I see a message living forever in music,” Walker added. “The message is that love wins, always.”

Additional student artists

• Zachary Jaeger, solo artist
• Reette Thorns, solo artist
• Nicholas Plummer, Lie.
• Brendan Harris, Wishes for the Well / Saint Martyr
• Cayden St. John, Jules Bonnot

The award show resulted in strides for diverse artists, most notably rapper Kendrick Lamar and music icon Beyoncé. However, despite the recognition of many artists, some Grand Valley State University students felt underwhelmed by the Grammy spectacle they’ve come to expect.

The 67th Grammy Award ceremony was held on Feb. 2 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The ceremony celebrates musicians and recording artists selected by the Recording Academy from Sept. 16, 2023 to Aug. 30, 2024. The nominees were announced through a YouTube livestream on Nov. 8, 2024, while the ceremony itself was streamed on CBS and Paramount+.

GVSU student Janelle Weiberg said she was disappointed by the slights made toward some artists in attendance, referencing jokes made by the show’s host, comedian Trevor Noah, about Shakira’s background.

”I enjoyed watching new artists win awards that (they) haven’t before, (but) I was disappointed by some of the host’s (Trevor Noah) comments toward artists, and especially attacking Colombian culture,” Weiberg said. “As always, it is a fun show to watch, but the results tend to disappoint me, as the Grammys are known for snubbing so many talented artists.”

Kendrick Lamar received the most awards, winning all five of his nominations– Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, Best Music Video, Best Song and Best Record. His single “Not Like Us” is the first diss-track to receive any Grammy recognition, and is the most successful song in the award show’s history. Lamar is the second rap artist to receive both the Record of The Year and Song of the Year awards in one night, following Childish Gambino in 2019.

Beyoncé was nominated for the most categories of any artist this year– Best Record, Best Country Song, Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Country Album, Best Album, Best Country Solo Performance, Best Song, Best Country Duo/Group Performance, Best Melodic Rap Performance and Best Americana Performance. Of the 11 nominations she received, she won Best Album, Best Country Album and Best Country/Duo Group Performance. Beyoncé is the first Black artist to win Best Country Album, as well as the first Black woman of the 21st century to win Album of the Year.

Live performances throughout the night included Chappell Roan with her hit single “Pink Pony Club,” Sabrina Carpenter with her “Short n’ Sweet” medley and rap artist Doechii with a mashup from her album “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” Doechii received Best Rap Album of the Year, making her the third woman to ever win Best Rap Album at the Grammys.

After receiving the Grammy for Best New Artist, Chappell Roan’s acceptance speech called attention to social and economic issues that can often be overlooked in performance spaces. Many GVSU students found this call to action to be a refreshing moment of clarity, and a space to call for change among the lofty ceremony’s glamour and prestige.

For GVSU student Chloe Schram, Roan’s message was a highlight of the program.

“I feel really happy that Chappell Roan won Best New Artist (because) she definitely deserved it,” Schram said. “She has really important messages to share, not only about queer people and making them feel heard, but also about healthcare for artists and people.”

Despite the amount of records broken at the ceremony, the show seemed to lack interest from many music fans.

It turned out that the year’s “biggest night in music” decreased in audience size compared to previous ceremonies. There were roughly 15 million viewers during this year’s program– about two million less than last year. The most viewers the show has ever received was 39 million in 2012. Despite multiple record-breaking moments, the 2025 Grammys had the fourth least-viewed airing since the ceremony in 2000. The event’s lowest engagement was in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and garnered just less than 10 million viewers.

Other award shows have experienced this significant drop-off as well; the 2021 Oscar’s viewership resulted in less than half of what it had been in 2020. Since, the numbers have risen slowly but remain unsteady. Easy access to social media recaps of the Grammys beg the question: is there a point to watching the entire, multi-hour ceremony anymore?

Students Joey Hidenbach and Garek Pawlek both said they had little interest in watching the Grammys. Hidenbach said he was able to retain the most “worthy” award winners, nominees, snubs and performances on social media after the fact.

“Taylor Swift wore red (and) she won zero (awards),” Hidenbach said. “People are mad (that) Billie Eilish (was snubbed). I mean, I think that, too.”

Pawlek said he wasn’t knowledgeable about certain albums and songs that went on to win Grammys. He said this was the first year he hadn’t watched the show.

“I didn’t even know (Beyonce) released a country album,” Pawlek said.

Regardless of the viewership amount, listening to music is a popular pastime among students. There seems to be hope among students that award ceremonies in the future will reflect the outstanding performances and talents of everyone in the industry without refracting the accomplishments and glossing over others.

The party featured a birthday cake, themed drinks and activities. Guests decorated heart-shaped sunglasses and participated in trivia about the singer’s songs and life, while a life-size cutout of Styles provided a photo opportunity for attendants.

Lauryn Comstock, one of CAB’s Activities Team directors, took charge in hosting the event. Comstock has been a fan of Styles since his One Direction days.

“I went to a One Direction concert and had (a) ‘team Harry’ sign and little Harry tattoos,” Comstock reminisced. 

Comstock said her appreciation for both Styles’ music and personality stems from the singer’s genuine nature.

“I just feel like following someone and supporting someone who really, truly believes in treating people with respect and kindness is something that is so uplifting,” Comstock said. 

The notion of treating people with kindness comes from Styles’ song, “Treat People With Kindness,” which was released on the album “Fine Line” in 2019. The song’s message has since resonated with many fans and has become a motto of sorts. “TPWK” can be found on many pieces of Styles’ merchandise, including water bottles, keychains and sweatshirts. 

Attending GVSU students, Jenae Danowski and Courtney Schmidt, also said they have been longtime fans of Styles, and even attended one of his concerts together. 

Schmidt said she appreciates Styles for more than just his music, but the lasting impact he has on listeners.

“(I like) how honest he is in his music and when he’s talking to fans,” Schmidt said. 

Danowski added that she selected Styles as her favorite One Direction member years ago, and has stuck with the decision ever since.

“(Styles) has a different energy (compared to other singer),” Danowski said. “He gives modern-day David Bowie.”

Like Bowie, Styles has a theatrical stage presence that many fans find magnetic. He is recognizable by his outfits both on and off stage, which influence his fans’ fashion choices. Bowie also never confined himself to one genre of music, a trend that Styles has experimented with throughout his career.

GVSU student Yadira De La Cruz agreed with the aforementioned impact that Styles has on fans. She added that his personality shines through when he performs on stage. 

“He’s just really open, even at concerts,” De La Cruz said. “He’s playful (and) that’s beautiful.”

De La Cruz said her love for Styles grew after One Direction’s breakup. She became a stronger fan of Styles when he began his journey as a solo artist. 

“(When) he released (his) first solo album, I was like, ‘Wow,'” De La Cruz said. “I was crying.”

De La Cruz added that Styles’ initial solo album gave her a new perspective on him as an artist by showing off what skills he possesses, as well as who he is as an individual.

Comstock said that Styles is worth celebrating because he is a role model to those who enjoy his music.

“(Styles) is super genuine and supportive of all types of people,” Comstock said. “We can all stand to learn from having that openness and kindness toward everybody.” 

GVSU’s New Music Ensemble is a group of students who promote contemporary music through commissions, tours, recordings, collaborations, outreach events and workshops. It was founded in 2006 by Professor Bill Ryan, who created the ensemble as a way for students to gain experience and set them up for success as future musicians, educators, advocates and leaders in the field of music. 

“I am hopeful that this concert engages the audience and introduces them to some of the significant composers of our time,” Ryan said. 

The concert featured Nawrot and Rito, who were chosen specifically because Nawrot is a GVSU alumni and Rito is from Grand Rapids. Both are now professors of music– Nawrot at Southeast Missouri State University and Rito at Alma College. They attended the concert and spoke to the audience.  

Grace Morrison, a flutist for the New Music Ensemble and GVSU student majoring in music education, said the group has given her a different perspective on music. Personally, she said performances that engage the audience are her favorite to be a part of. 

“I think that all music is really fun,” Morrison said. “There is some (music) that invites the audience to a more intimate setting, (and) kind of brings them in. I feel like there are a couple of reflective and beautiful pieces, (and) ones that are more funky and new to get you dancing in your seat.” 

Morrison added that before participating in the New Music Ensemble, she had only learned a basic repertoire of music, but that she now enjoys learning new pieces and numbers. The ensemble keeps her excited for her future involvement in music education, with music acting as a unique way to pour out her feelings to friends, family and the audience. 

Jeremy Cleary, another GVSU student, plays the saxophone in the New Music Ensemble. Cleary echoed Morrison’s sentiment, and noted that the ensemble does not stick to one specific genre. 

“I like people to know that I’m not stuck in one little (musical genre) bubble,” Cleary said. 

Cleary played three different saxophones throughout the fall concert, including soprano, alto and tenor versions of the instrument. 

“A lot of people tend to know me as just the guy who plays high notes, but I can dabble around in the lower (notes),” Cleary added.  

Cleary emphasized that the ensemble can help people become interested in new genres. He pointed specifically to contemporary classical music, which he feels can connect to a younger audience of students.

Emma Johnson, the founder and CEO of Asher Legacy Group, started the musical series to help better serve the community through timeless musical history.

Johnson contrasted modern music with that of the past, emphasizing that she believes older music to be more meaningful.

“Growing up in the 70s and 80s, things (the quality and characteristics of music) were so different,” Johnson said.

As a lifelong musician herself, Johnson noted that the musical series has been an important tribute to past artists’ history, and the significance of the culture that they came from.

“Being Black, the feel-good aspect of music was a significant part of our lives,” said Johnson. “Today, many of those musicians have passed away, and I felt it was special to honor them.”

One of the bands that have performed during the series was Grand Rapids’ Da’Veonce and DaFunk Gang, a modern cover and original funk and hip-hop band. During the musical series, they performed their own take on a variety of older Motown hits, ranging from The Temptations and Four Tops, to Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. 

“It’s that nostalgic feeling (that) takes you somewhere,” said Adam Wright, DaFunk Gang’s vocalist. “I don’t know what it is about soul music, but it really touches you.”

Wright’s bandmate and DaFunk Gang’s frontman, Da’Veonce Washington, added that their musical covers can serve as timeless and entertaining history lessons, saying that events such as the musical series keep artists and, in turn, the history, of their time period alive.

“A lot of newer artists like to sample older generations, (and) it’s just what it is,” said Washington. “That’s how you keep your ancestors and legacy alive, through those past musicians.” 

The DaFunk Gang often draws their inspiration from musical greats who have retired or passed on, incorporating the history of their beat and lyrics into their modern works and performances.

“People are making music about what they’re going through,” said Wright. “You get a really good idea about how the times were, what people were thinking and what people’s concerns were.”

Both DaFunk Gang’s band members and Johnson have noticed a renewed interest in older genres and musical history while involved in the weekly musical series. Specifically, Johnson noted a higher turnout and greater public interest as compared to previous musical events the group has organized.

“There’s a resurgence of appreciation for these artists,” said Johnson. “Hearing their music live is refreshing. Honoring these musicians is something we don’t do enough of, and if I can be used to honor them, then I gladly accept that role.”

Although the last music series event, which will honor Michael Jackson, concludes on Aug. 29, the group also puts on events, workshops and services throughout the year in an effort to bring the community together. 

The Whale was founded as the GVSU radio station in the late 1960s under the call letters WGVU. The radio station signal was originally only accessible to those who could connect to the building’s power grid. In the 1980s, the station became public, garnering off-campus listeners. After a brief period off the air, the student station was revived in the latter half of the 1990s, where it has since been located in Kirkhof Center Room 0055. 

Whale Radio President and Station Manager Ayron Rutan grew interested in radio by taking JBM – 265 Introduction to Radio. He wished to continue being on-air by joining Whale Radio and expressing himself through his own show.

“For me, it’s keeping the art form and what I would describe as the culture of radio alive,” Rutan said. “(It’s not just a) place where people can have a voice and share music, but it’s also something for students to tune in to.” 

Rutan and several other students use the station to be creative and produce their own shows using the station’s resources. Having a community of students with a passion for radio allows for collaboration and motivation.

“This (Whale Radio) is a form for expression. I think that’s extremely important,” said Len O’Kelly, GVSU professor and faculty advisor for Whale Radio. “It’s a more communal way of doing what podcasting has made kind of a solo, by-yourself activity.”

Many students over the years have had various ways of expressing themselves with the station, from playing the music they are interested in, to doing sports broadcasting. Rutan also reflected on hearing about how a prior student created their own show, during which they would narrate “Seinfeld” episodes they were watching in the studio. 

“We, as a station, want to be a center for music on campus,” Rutan said. “(We are trying to) provide this place for people to go to and have a voice and share ideas.”

Faculty help to maintain the studio by updating and replacing broken or outdated equipment. A recent addition to the station is a professional-grade table that houses some of the equipment used in producing a show. It also is large enough to seat multiple people, in the event people are hosting a talk show. 

In addition to on-air shows, Whale Radio is hosting a benefit concert for the DAAC, a local performing arts venue facing closure, on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. GVSU students will be headlining the show. All proceeds will go towards supporting the DAAC. 

“The goal of the benefit is to raise money and bring awareness (to) the DAAC and help them stay afloat,” said Anthony Erlandson Whale Radio’s Promotions Director. “We thought doing a concert would be a great opportunity for students (to) perform in a setting where they can play whatever they want to.”

As a club, Whale Radio hosts weekly meetings on Monday nights at 9 p.m. in Lake Ontario Hall Room 174. No experience is required and training will be given to anyone who expresses interest. All that is asked is that participants like radio and pass a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulation quiz. For listeners, the radio station can be streamed through the RadioFX app or the Whale website. 

Silently, one more person enters the room: the accompanist. They walk to the back corner of the studio, which contains a piano and drums. They won’t be moving as the dancers do or verbally guide the students like the instructor, instead, the movement will take place as their fingers strike the keys of the piano or beat the drums. The music they play will shape the class at its core. 

GVSU’s dance program has two accompanists Alex Hamel and Ryan Blok who create, perform and partner with dance students and faculty within the program’s movement technique classes. Hamel, who has been a part of the program for over 10 years, most commonly accompanies the modern dance courses and Blok has been the resident ballet accompanist since 2017.

The accompanists explore and create music for a collaborative process between movement and music. 

When Hamel accompanies modern dance classes he acts as a “one-man band” playing piano and drums individually and simultaneously, a skill that he developed over time and from a young age. Hamel said often he plays both instruments at once because “neither one on its own seemed sufficient.” 

Hamel’s playing journey began with learning piano, which his grandfather gave him, at age six. His passion continued to develop with time. He started playing the drums in the school band at age 10 and taught himself guitar at 12. 

Continuing to play and learn, Hamel decided initially to minor in music at GVSU and was an art major. At the time he was not planning on pursuing a musical path, but rather graphic design or animation. But, after becoming more involved in music opportunities on campus, he decided to make the shift to becoming a music major. 

“I did marching band, stuff like that, to percussion major when I was a student here (GVSU), but I also got into the jazz program. My professors, actually, they were like ‘Seems like you want to be a musician,’” Hamel said. “I didn’t want to study music and not have it be my profession. I think that gave me the confidence to sort of double down on everything I was doing here.”

The decision to fully commit to music led Hamel to accompany the dance program for the first time as a student, a job he had for his last two years at GVSU. With very little knowledge about dance, Hamel took on the role and learned on the job. He learned that the work of the accompanist was largely based on improvisation, which Hamel had experience in as a music major with a jazz emphasis. He soon realized this path fit his passions and has guided the rest of his career. 

Now, Hamel primarily accompanies for dance classes and plays in theatre pits. He considers both of these positions “service-oriented, support roles” and feels that is where his heart is. 

“I don’t live for the spotlight at all. I actually quit piano lessons because I didn’t want to do recitals anymore,” Hamel said. “In terms of like what I get out of being a musician, it’s really zero to do with like performing or getting my chance to shine or show people what I can do. It’s more being in service to something larger.” 

Hamel said the experience of being an accompanist shifts with the needs, wants and energy of the class itself and that the partnership between the music, dancers and professors is deeply intertwined.

“I never think of it like I’m creating music that is to be danced to, like ‘here’s some great music now dance,’ you know,” Hamel said. “In a way, I’m like taking class with all y’all. Just trying to find the impulse within the movement that combination are based on and reflect that and really accompany the dance.” 

Dance Professor and dance curriculum coordinator Carrie Brueck Morris has been working with Hamel for over 10 years. She says Hamel’s contribution as a musician and artist allows students to learn more about music in their coursework: musical terminology, how to work with musicians and “understanding the layers” to musicality beyond counts.

Additionally, Morris said Hamel as an artist and partner in dance classes is extraordinary. 

“He knows how to look at dance and he knows how to respond to what is happening in the room,” Morris said. “It feels so easy to work with him and I feel like we’re reading each other’s minds.” 

Similarly, Blok’s work as the ballet accompaniment comes from years of development. One of Blok’s first musical memories was with a Fisher Price piano where he learned a couple of basic songs. He was then put into piano lessons at eight years old, percussion in band, choir and was involved in church music throughout his life. 

Blok, like Hamel, is also a GVSU alum who started at GVSU in 2013 after deciding he wanted to focus more on piano. During this time, he began to learn how to be a ballet accompanist. 

“I started with just that a couple books, I had like one piece of music for each combination,” Blok said. “Once I got the feel for the eight-measure phrases all the time and how each combination felt, it just became easier and easier. I’d say a year in I was 90 percent improvising.” 

After graduating, he began his accompanist career in the GVSU dance program, played classes at Grand Rapids Ballet and opened a private piano and voice teaching studio. 

“My plan was always to somehow make a living in music in Grand Rapids and wasn’t planning on going anywhere,” Blok said. 

Blok said the presence of live music helps to shape dance classes in both atmosphere and structure. 

“Live music just feels more present. As loud as you turn up a speaker with canned music, it never feels as vibrant in the space as the live music does,” Blok said. “The biggest thing is the flexibility that a live musician can have. Often teachers want to do the same combination, one time at a certain tempo and speed it up for the second.” 

Blok values the ability to have a collaborative relationship with the professors and to provide an experience that is “active and vibrant” rather than just a rhythm for students to execute steps to. He enjoys the opportunity and freedom of improvisation and the ability to challenge himself with what he plays each day to better help aid the experiences of dancers in class.

One of GVSU’s ballet professors Carolyn Pampalone Rabbers has worked with Blok since 2021. She feels he not only allows the pedagogical flexibility of changing tempos, measures and more but creates variety within the class. 

“(Blok) will find ways to keep it (the music) artistically interesting for the room. So there might be gentle shifts, like an octave change, or an additional rhythmic line added in. It just helps open up possibilities and ideas for ways to engage with the movement that we’re doing as well,” Rabbers said. 

Emma Buschle a senior majoring in Dance and Public Relations works with both Hamel and Blok in her modern and ballet courses. Buschle said before coming to college she had never been in a dance class with an accompanist before. She said the experience of having live music in her dance courses at GVSU is incredibly beneficial and rewarding. 

From interacting with both musicians, Buschle said Hamel has such a “unique style” in his musical pieces and Blok has a talent for knowing ballet “like the back of his hand.” She feels she has gotten to know the accompanists more as artists and as individuals. 

“There’s just a huge level of respect for each other (dancers, professors and musicians),” Buschle said. “At the end of each class, we do a huge round of applause of them and we have a ritual of smacking the floor and creating a bunch of noise to thank them.” 

Buschle said over her time at GVSU she has paid more “attention to what’s going on in the corner.” Buschle, and other dance program students and faculty, appreciate the artistry of accompanists. They feel that accompanists connect to everyone in the room at a deeper personal, passionate level than just hitting play.

Nicholas Sparks, the principal clarinetist for GVSU’s Concert Bands,  aid the brief time spent together before each concert is crucial for their success. He also noted the importance of trying to “ ocus on blending with each other” so that everyone sounds like one cohesive instrument.

Sparks began his playing career in middle school and has grown accustomed to the pre-concert jitters and anxiousness that afflict many performers. 

“If people have put in the preparation that they needed to, then some of those nerves go away,” Sparks said. “Once everyone knows what they’re doing, it makes everything more comfortable.”

Sparks said preparation is key for an ensemble of this size. The Concert Band meets three times per week for 50-minute sessions, totaling 18 rehearsals since the start of the semester. 

Rehearsals were led by John Martin, Conductor of the Concert Band and Associate Professor and Director of GVSU’s Athletic Bands. Martin said it was during a rehearsal three weeks before the concert that a “proverbial light bulb” went off in his head. He realized the level of investment that this group of musicians had. 

“It’s such a neat feeling,” Martin said. “Instead of coming into rehearsal and it being a ‘root canal,’ we got into things musically where the preparation was just blatant.”

Being as prepared as they possibly could be, Martin said the Concert Band was eager to finally perform the music they had spent so much time rehearsing. 

As the 7:30 p.m. start time drew near, a large crowd began to form in the lobby outside of GVSU’s Louis Armstrong Theatre. Many of the families in the crowd stopped at the pop-up table selling flowers before making their way into the theatre and to their seats. Shortly after, the lights dimmed and the musicians took the stage to perform the nine songs in the program. 

The concert featured a variety of works from different composers such as Rossano Galante and Haley Woodrow. English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams was prominently featured throughout the performance, including his famous “English Folk Song Suite.” 

After a brief halfway point intermission, the Concert Band performed Julius Fučík’s “Florentiner, Grande Marcia Italiana.” During this performance, there was a miscommunicated hand signal that Martin gave to the band, which he had never used in rehearsal before. However, the band did not stop the performance, and they continued their tempo, which Martin said he was “beyond proud of.”

“I always tell them in rehearsal to follow the music and we’ll be okay,” Martin said. “What they did, that’s the growth and maturity of a group where the lightbulb just turned on.”

The Concert Band will perform their next show on Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Louis Armstrong Theatre. 

Those interested in auditioning for Concert Band, Orchestra or Wind Symphony are encouraged to fill out the online registration form. All of GVSU’s music ensembles and auditions are open to students, regardless of major.

The DAAC is a volunteer-run music venue, art gallery and “creative incubator” for people of all ages to showcase their talents. The space caters to artists who are just beginning their creative journey, the DAAC has served as a safe space for people to express themselves. 

On Sept. 1, the DAAC issued a statement about its current operation model and volunteer needs that would allow the venue to keep its doors open. 

“The DAAC will stop existing if we can’t find a better way forward,” the open letter said to the community. 

The DAAC held a public meeting on Sept. 17 to address the statement, where they put out a call to action within the community. The meeting also discussed the needs of the DAAC in order to keep their facility from closing down.

Lorenzo Aguayo, one of the core committee volunteers of the DAAC, helps with fundraising and grants for the non-profit. Aguayo helped promote the DAAC’s call to action and said people are signing up to volunteer as a response. Aguayo said even with this engagement, DAAC needs more help.  

“I’m hopeful for everything here,” Aguayo said. “Everything’s not perfect yet, but the community answered our call and we’re very appreciative (of) that.”

The DAAC’s primary need is volunteers, as the venue is a non-profit organization. For all of those involved, Aguayo describes the work they do as a “passion project” that exists alongside their full-time careers. The DAAC encourages the community to come out and volunteer alongside them to help make local artists’ goals come to life.  

“We can make your dreams a reality,” Aguayo said. “(However), it takes a high level of commitment and time to do that.”    

The DAAC often serves as a performer’s first show or an artist’s first gallery. If the venue were to close, the Grand Rapids community would lose one of its only free, all-ages creative spaces.

“I cannot recommend the DAAC enough,” said Anthony Erlandson, a student and aspiring musician at Grand Valley State University. “They’ve truly been one of the best resources I could ever have as a small artist.”

Aguayo said the DAAC would love to see GVSU students involved in the organization through performances, showcases or volunteer positions. He said there is something for everyone.

“I see a great opportunity for students,” Aguayo said. “I don’t think we should ignore that (the opportunity) at all.” 

Aguayo is looking forward to working with Whale Radio, GVSU’s student-run radio station, which will be holding a benefit show for the DAAC on Dec. 2. The benefit show will host the radio station’s programming, a live performance from Erlandson and more. All of the money raised will go directly towards the DAAC. More information will be announced closer to the event day.

Aguayo said the show will provide GVSU students the chance to play music in a different venue and that he is excited about the partnership. 

Erlandson, also the promotions director of Whale Radio, agrees. They said the benefit show will give students a place to show their creativity while helping out the venue. 

“I’m super excited for the show because I really want to give back to them (the DAAC), and I’m also looking forward to performing (alongside) other students,” Erlandson said.

The DAAC continues to encourage students and community members to volunteer in order to save the venue and keep opportunities open for musicians and artists who want to get involved.