Director of Instrumental Studies, Assistant Professor of Music
Division
Music Division
Degrees
Ph.D., Florida State University
M.M., Guildhall School of Music and Drama
B.Mus., Michigan State University
Field(s) of Study/Expertise
Clarinet performance and music history.
Awards or Honors
Grand Rapids Symphonic Band – Concerto Competition Winner
Sudler Award for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities
Guildhall School of Music – Festival Participant
Calvin College Festival of Faith and Music – Presenter, April 2009
Courses
What can students expect from your classes? From your division?
Academic excellence, a lot of listening, new ideas and ways of looking at music and musical expertise.
Of all the classes that you may teach, which one are you most passionate about?
Music history three and symphonic winds.
Advice for College Students
Practice your instrument and listen to music.
Family Information
Where were you born or raised?
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Family information:
Single with puppy — Isaac, 8 months, very cute.
Interests and Passions Outside of Teaching
Vegetarianism, reading (particularly books by Rob Bell, Donald Miller, Anne Lamott and Henri Nouwen), coffee, interesting conversation, coffee with interesting conversation, church, social justice and spending time with my friends and family. This winter, I’d like to learn how to snowboard.
Mentors/Role Models
I’d like to play phrases like Harold Wright, former principal clarinetist of the Boston Symphony. I have learned most of what I know about the clarinet from Frank Kowalsky, professor of music at Florida State University. I have learned most of what I know about music from John Varineau, associate conductor of the Grand Rapids Symphony, and Peter Van Dessel, associate professor of music at Cornerstone University.
Favorite Inspirational Quote or Bible Verse
Favorite verses: Ephesians 3:18-19: “And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”
Favorite quote: “The music I prefer, even to my own, is that which we hear when we are silent” (John Cage).
Favorite Thing About Cornerstone University
Phone
Email
Joan/VanDessel|cornerstone/edu
