Adjunct Professors
In addition to our outstanding full-time faculty, the Fine Arts Division employs several professional musicians in applied lesson teaching as well as several talented and qualified classroom professors. Our Adjunct Professors are listed below according to their area of expertise.
Brass | Organ | Strings | Voice | Woodwinds | Classroom Adjunct Professors | Staff Accompanists | Staff
Brass
Phil Bajema, D.M.A. - trumpet
Phil Bajema has lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan since 1982. He is married to Edith and has three grown children.He earned his D.M.A. in trumpet performance (music history minor) from the University of Colorado in 1980. From 1978-81 he was assistant professor of music at Sioux Falls College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Since 1982, Dr. Bajema has been a busy freelance musician in the Grand Rapids area. He has worked with River City Jazz, the Lansing Symphony, Boadway Theatre Guild, Grand Rapids Civic Theater, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Red Barn Theater, Cherry County Playhouse and others. He has many trumpet students, including those at Cornerstone University.
Dr. Bajema has also developed a piano tuning and repair business. His customers include the public schools in Grand Rapids and Kentwood and Opera Grand Rapids, besides churches and residences.
Rick Britsch - french horn, Chamber Brass
Richard Britsch teaches French Horn and Brass Ensembles at Cornerstone University. Formerly with the Florida Orchestra and the Southwest Florida Symphony, he has appeared as soloist numerous times with the Grand Rapids Symphony and the Peninsula Music Festival of Wisconsin, both of which he has been Principal Horn since 1990 and 1992, respectively. He performs regularly with the Detroit Symphony and has performed as Principal Horn with the Milwaukee Symphony. During the summer of 2007, he was invited to Korea to perform as Guest Principal Horn of the Daegu City Symphony.
He is a founding member of the Emerald Brass, which was the first prize winner of both the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition and the Yamaha/Summit Brass International Brass Competition in 1990. He holds a BA from the University of South Florida in Tampa and participated in such festivals as the Florida Music Festival and the American Institute of Musical Studies in Austria. In addition to teaching at Cornerstone, Mr. Britsch also teaches at Calvin College and Grand Rapids Community College and is a member of Beyond Classical and Ensemble Montage, two music groups dedicated to introducing great music to new audiences.
Chris Fribley - tuba
Christopher Fribley holds a Masters Degree in Tuba Performance from Southern Methodist University. His principal influences include Matt Good, Tom Booth, Jacob Cameron, and Monty Birch.
Thomas Peck - music education, TAP, student teacher supervisor
Thomas M. Peck, adjunct faculty in music and education, is a Minnesota native. Earning his B.A. in Music and Music Education from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and his M.Ed from Grand Valley State University, Mr. Peck’s career spans over 35 years in music, music education and the music industry. Having taught both instrumental and choral music in Minnesota and Michigan, he has also been active in music publishing, serving as instrumental editor for major educational music publishers, guest clinician and conductor both here and abroad, as well as having written, arranged and published and co-authored several methods and individual works for educational use as well as church settings.
Currently serving the Byron Center Public Schools, Mr. Peck is active in research supporting the ARTS as part of an essential core curriculum. His work with school change using an ARTS emphasis has helped to grow ARTS programs among many public and private schools. His responsibilities at Cornerstone University include working with the trombone studio, assisting with the Symphonic Winds, and supervising student teachers.
Mr. Peck and his wife Patti Jo live in the Grand Rapids area and have two children, one serving in Minneapolis with the Minnesota MS Society and the other serving as the youngest member of the United States Air Force Bands.
Organ
Elizabeth Claar - organ
Elizabeth Claar earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in organ performance at The University of Michigan, where she studied organ with James Kibbie and Robert Glasgow, and harpsichord with Edward Parmentier. She also completed a certificate in music theory pedagogy. Elizabeth received her Master of Music degree from The University of Michigan and her Bachelor of Arts from Houghton College in New York.
Elizabeth spent the 2006-07 school year in Armenia with her husband who was teaching on a Fulbright Fellowship. Besides experiencing Armenian culture, she also researched Armenian organ music. Back in the United States, Elizabeth combines church work, teaching, and performance in a multi-faceted musical career. Organist at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she teaches organ to students of all ages, and she is passionate about introducing the organ to young people. Besides serving as Dean of the Holland Area Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, Elizabeth directed an AGO Pipe Organ Encounter (organ camp) for teenagers, held at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, in July 2008. In addition to teaching privately, in 2007 she began teaching at Cornerstone University. Elizabeth performs frequently as a soloist, having given concerts in many states and in Armenia, and as a staff accompanist at Hope College.
Strings
Jennifer Butcher (Alman) - viola, violin
Active as an orchestral player, chamber musician, and teacher, Jennifer Butcher is a 2007 graduate of the Longy School of Music, where she earned the Master of Music degree in Viola Performance as a student of Roger Tapping. While living in the Boston area, she served as Principal Viola with the Civic Symphony of Boston, and performed with several other ensembles including the Brockton Symphony and Hingham Symphony.
Prior to beginning her studies in Boston, she attended Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she studied violin with Hyunsai Lee and Diane McElfish and viola with Robert Byrens, graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and a minor in German. Jennifer performs regularly with numerous ensembles in the West Michigan area including the West Shore Symphony Orchestra and Traverse Symphony Orchestra, and currently teaches at Meyer Music, Lakeshore Baptist Academy, and Cornerstone University.
Eric Phelps - cello
Eric Phelps received his Bachelors of Music from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Masters of Music at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and Professional Studies Diploma from the Mannes College of Music. His primary teachers were Richard Rognstad, Peter Rejto, Judith Glyde, Michael Haber, and Timothy Eddy.
Eric participated in music festivals in North America and Europe, including master classes with Lynn Harrell, Janos Starker, and Yo-Yo Ma. Eric served as Associate Principal cellist for the West Shore Symphony in Muskegon, MI, substitutes in the Grand Rapids Symphony, and is the cellist of the Symphonie Quartet. He and his wife Crista, a pianist and composer, enjoy work together that takes special interest in the music of the Psalter. They have made two recordings of arrangements written by Crista which are currently available for purchase. He plays a 1995 Stanley Kiernoziak cello made in the shop of William Harris Lee in Chicago.
Aaron Tenney, M.M. - bass guitar, double bass
Double Bass. Member of the Greater Lansing Symphony Orchestra. Former member of the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra, West Shore Symphony Orchestra and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Has also played with the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Tenney received his Bachelors of Music education and Masters in Music Performance from Michigan State University.
In addition to orchestral performances he has also played for some of the greatest double bassists in the world including Gary Karr and Edgar Meyer. He has also studied jazz with Rodney Whitaker (of the Lincoln Center Jazz Band) while participating in the jazz program at Michigan State University. Mr. Tenney is currently the professor of double bass at Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen MI, and director of Orchestra’s at NorthPointe Christian Schools, Grand Rapids MI.
Voice
Philip Holmes, M. M. - voice
After completing a master’s degree, Mr. Holmes sensed God leading away from a career in opera to pursue a career in vocational church ministry. He became a full-time worship leader and has pursued this call passionately for twelve years. He loves teaching and enjoys using the vehicle of education as a means to impact lives for eternity. With his years of church ministry experience, he believes he brings a pastor’s heart as well as a musician’s ear to the voice studio. It is his desire to use his life experiences to help students realize their potential in Christ.
Before coming to Cornerstone, he was a voice professor at Piedmont Baptist College in Winston-Salem, NC. He has taught private voice for 10 years. Mr. Holmes also has significant performance experience as a vocalist, including work with Opera Carolina (Charlotte, NC), the Greenville Symphony (Greenville, SC), Columbia Symphony (Columbia, SC), numerous church engagements, and community solo opportunities.
He enjoys weight-lifting, college sports, traveling, dining out, and great conversation . He is happily married to his wife Melody, has no children, and he has a large Golden Retriever named Copper.
Corlyn Longer-Schreck, M. M. - voice
Corlyn has a B.A. in Vocal Music from the University of Northern Iowa and a M.M. in Vocal Performance from Western Michigan University, She has also studied at the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria on full scholarship. She is a Metropolitan Opera Vocal Competition Regional Finalist and two-time District Winner, has won numerous vocal competitions in Michigan and has twice been a Finalist with the Bel Canto Regional Vocalists Competition in Milwaukee, WI. Corlyn has appeared as a soloist in opera, major choral works and music theater with several area ensembles including The Kalamazoo Symphony, The Grand Rapids Choir of Men & Boys, The Battle Creek Symphony, The Kalamazoo Bach Festival, and The Kalamazoo Civic Theater. She is also a member of Aspire Ensemble, a professional quartet that performs sacred, classical, spiritual and contemporary music and is a paid Section Leader at two churches in Kalamazoo.
In addition to teaching voice at Cornerstone, she also teaches voice at Kalamazoo College, Crescendo Academy of Music, the Education for the Arts Advanced Music Theater class and maintains a private voice studio in her home. She has adjudicated several voice competitions including The Michigan NATS State Auditions and the Michigan Music Association Competition. She is a member of The National Association of Teachers of Singing, Sigma Alpha Iota and Pi Kappa Lambda. When she’s not singing or teaching, Corlyn trains and shows horses throughout the Midwest. Corlyn, her husband Joe and their two children, Abbigail & Benjamin, reside in Kalamazoo, MI.
Matt Speck, B. Mus.- voice
Mr. Speck has been a member of the Opera Grand Rapids chorus since 1993. He has been involved in over thirty OGR productions, including appearances as: Don Curzio in The Marriage of Figaro (2008), Paris in Romeo and Juliette (2007 and 1997) Spoletta in Tosca (2002 and 2008), the Registrar in Madama Butterfly (2006 and 2000), Vicomte Cascada in The Merry Widow (2001), and the Second Samaritan in Salome (1998). He has also performed with Circle Theatre as Anatoly in Chess and Archibald in The Secret Garden. He has a bachelor of music degree from Cornerstone University.
Kathy Wagner - voice
Kathy Wagner is well known for her mastery of a variety of styles and musical genres. She has performed jazz, standards, pop, opera and musical theatre in every type of venue from pig races to the classroom to the concert stage. A recipient of numerous awards, she was notably the silver medallist at the American Traditions Singing Competition in Savannah, Georgia. Recordings include The Pink Album , Not Since Prom, Taking A Chance On Love and I Love A Piano. She recently completed two Allied Arts concert tours with pianist Rich Ridenour to rave reviews. Symphony concerts include West Shore, Elgin, Saginaw, Bay Area, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and the Bijou Orchestra. Favorite musical theatre roles include Eva Peron (Evita), Velma (Chicago), The Old Lady (Candide), Mama Rose (Gypsy) and was a Grand Award recipient for her outstanding performances as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeny Todd and Fosca in Passion. She was the featured artist in the LA World Premiere of Love Handles, and The Lambs Theatre in New York As a director credits include Baby, And The World Goes Round, I Love you, You're Perfect, Now Change, Beauty and the Beast and received a special Grand Award for her production of Beehive. She also won a Grand Award for her vocal direction on Spitfire Grill and most recently worked on The Rocky Horror Picture Show and A Man of No Importance. Kathy has opened for The Drifters, The Platters, The Shirelles and Little Anthony. Her most recent concert was opening for Bob Newhart to a sold out house. Kathy has long been swinging tunes with The River City Jazz Ensemble who have performed for the Governor’s Inaugural Ball and 4 past presidents. Kathy is a partner in BTV Productions which seeks to cultivate, promote and employ the best area talent. She is a sought after vocal coach and a founding member of the West Michigan Cabaret Association. She has a terrific husband of 28 years and two wonderful daughters who love when mom sings, but even more when she cooks!
Woodwinds
Tiffany Engle - saxophone
Tiffany recently completed her DMA in wind conducting at Michigan State University and she holds a MM in conducting and saxophone performance from Ithaca College. She joined the music faculty of Calvin College in 2005 as assistant professor and director of bands. Dr. Engle teaches brass methods, conducting, and instrumental literature and conducts the Calvin Band and the Knollcrest Band.
Heather Hill - flute
A California native, Heather Hill began studying flute at the age of nine while living in the Detroit area. Shortly after, her family relocated to the Chicago area where she continued her flute studies. Her love for the orchestra began there as she played in youth orchestras throughout middle school and high school - the highlight of those times with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra on their European tour as principal flute. She attended Grand Valley State University (MI) where she earned a music business degree while still serving as principal flute of the University Orchestra and soloist with the University Chamber Orchestra.
Following several years in the music business she returned to performance, studying with Donald Peck at DePaul University where she earned her master’s degree in flute performance in 2000. Her other teachers include Kaye Clements, Mary Stolper and Judith Kemph. She has performed in masterclasses with Walfrid Kujala, Felix Skowronek, Thomas Robertello, and Donald Peck, and was a concerto winner at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival.
In the fall of 2000, she won the 2nd flute position with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra (Springfield, IL) and recently completed seven seasons with the orchestra. From 2000-2003, she organized and played with the flute/soprano/harp trio, Jouez!, which performed in Michigan and Illinois, including the Noon Recital Series at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago. In 2003, she played at the Anatomy of Sound Workshop at the University of Michigan with Amy Porter, Alexa Still, and Goran Marcusson, and performed Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 for Two Flutes with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.
Before moving to the Grand Rapids area, Heather maintained a teaching studio at her home in Roselle, IL and was a member of the faculty at the Hinsdale Center for the Arts, Hinsdale, IL. In September 2006, she won the 3rd flute/piccolo position with the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra where she is now in her second season. She currently teaches students at her Kentwood home and is adjunct faculty at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids
Classroom Adjunct Professors
Aaron Bouwman, M.M.A. - Chancel Singers, Credo
With a MMA degree in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University and a BMA degree in Music Education from Western Michigan University, Mr. Bouwman has an accomplished career both locally and internationally. In recent years, he has contributed to the local community by serving as Associate Director of Choirs for Rockford High School, Choir Director for Knollcrest Music Camp at Calvin College and through performing with the Camerata Singers (Muskegon) as well as involvement with the Evangelical Choral Society where he was featured as a tenor soloist and currently serves as President.Propelling students from his private voice studio to consistently receive Division I ratings at District and State Solo Ensemble Festivals as well as procuring coveted roles at Grand Rapids Civic Theater, Aaron Bouwman continues his seventeenth season as a member of the Opera Grand Rapids Chorus and his eighth season as director/performer with the Caroling Company of Grand Rapids. Additionally, he has played the roles of Hortensio in Kiss me Kate, Pirelli in Sweeny Todd, and Cookson in Peter Pan at Grand Rapids Civic Theater
As Director of the Blue Lake International Choir and Director/Soloist with the Rockford International Touring choir, Aaron has led three European tours. He has taken choirs on tour to sing in New York’s Carnegie Hall; and in Washington D.C.’s World War II Memorial, Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and Kennedy Center.
Mr. Bouwman’s sound designing credits include Oliver!, The Music Man, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream-coat, Cinderella, Grease, Les Miserables, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Quilters, Jesus Christ Superstar, Seussical the Musical, Into the Woods, and Pirates of Penzance. He has performed in concert with icons such as Bobby McFerrin, Tonny Bennett, and Mel Torme. In addition to these career accomplishments, he is proud to be conducting Cornerstone University’s 2008-2009 Chancel Singers.
Dave Culross, M.A. - composition, Orchestration & Arranging, Imagination in Culture
Professor Culross earned a A.B. History degree from Olivet Nazarene University; M.A. Music Education, Illinois State University; Doctoral Studies Music Composition (DMA track), Michigan State University, student of Dr. Ricardo Lorenz. Dave's career includes teaching elementary, middle and high school students for over 15 years. Locally, he has served 15 years as Minister of Music both full and part-time at Calvary Church. He has also worked 9 years as Staff editor-writer for Singspiration Music, and continues to work as a free-lance writer for various publishers. Dave has accomplished numerous compositions and arrangements with various publishers, mainly sacred. He has served as Producer/conductor of choral and orchestral recordings of compositions/arrangements in Chicago, Indianapolis, Nashville, and other studios. His most recent works include the first orchestral setting of Astor Piazzolla’s “Histoire du Tango” (Flute concerto), and “Christmas Fantasia” for Symphony Orchestra, both commissioned by Grand Rapids Symphony; “Suite for Capricious Kittens” for String Ensemble, recorded by Indianapolis Chamber Players; “Procession of the Kings,” Variations on a Provencal Carol for Two Pianos, programmed by Nielsen and Young, concert artists; “Mystery in Bethlehem,” for Solo Clarinet and String Orchestra, commissioned by Grand Rapids Symphony; “One of Us: Portrait of a Humble Healer,” tribute to President Gerald Ford, commissioned and premiered by Grand Rapids Symphony. Professor Culross has been elected to Kappa Delta Pi, International Society in Education (1969), commissioned to write several works for Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra (ongoing), including “One of Us: Portrait of a Humble Healer”, honoring former President Gerald R. Ford. (2008 premiere) First Orchestral setting of Astor Piazzolla “Histoire du Tango,” premiered by the Grand Rapids Symphony, accepted for performance by eminent South American flutist Luis Julio Toro. (2007) and is a Dove Award Finalist: Vinegar Boy – Easter musical drama for Children’s choir.
Chris Hansen -
A native of Greenville, MI., Chris graduated from Western Michigan University with degrees in Music Education, Music Theory and Theatrical Arts. Chris performed and arranged music for the prestigious Gold Company under the direction of Steve Zegree. Chris completed his master’s degree in Church Music/Worship Leadership at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon in 1989. After completing his degree, he taught on staff under Gordon Borror in the areas of drama, worship and music and taught at Multnomah School of Bible and Music. While in Portland Oregon, he worked as a freelance arranger producer for the Oregon Symphony, the Oregon Children’s choir and many corporate, recordings and church projects. He also served as Worship Pastor in two churches in the Portland area.
Beginning in 1994 Chris served as Pastor of Worship and Arts at Fair Haven Ministries for over 12 years in Hudsonville, MI.. From 1995 – 2004 Chris also served as the Saturday night music director for Calvary’s Saturday Night Live, many years along side Rob Bell. Chris currently freelances as a music composer and arranger and does worship and music consulting for churches. In January of 2007 Chris began Hark Up Ministries, a non-profit worship and arts ministry that uses an intergenerational approach to Christian music and worship.
Linda Livermore, B.Mus. - class piano
Linda earned her B. Mus. degree from Cornerstone University in 1992 and will earn a M.M. (in-progress) through Western Michigan University. After graduating with a piano performance degree from CU, Linda studied graduate piano with Dr. Silivia Roederer at Western Michigan University. While at Western, she taught several sections of Class Piano as well as private lessons. She has been teaching private piano lessons for 15 yrs and enjoys passing on her love of music to her students. Linda an dher husband Dave have two girls: Emily and Grace. The Livermores enjoy traveling the world and engaging in the fascinating cultures they encounter. Some of Linda's favorite things are: the Leelanau Peninsula, ethnic food, great novels, and her morning coffee.
Carol McNeil, M.A.T. -music for elementary teachers
Carol teaches elementary music part-time for Nothview Public Schools in Grand Rapids. When she is not at Northview High School, she enjoys teaching at Cornerstone. Mrs. McNeil has Bachelor Degrees from both Calvin College and Cornerstone University and a MAT degree from Calvin as well. Carol thoroughly enjoys teaching students at Cornerstone how to implement music in their elementary classrooms. She is particularly passionate about the music/literature connection and about using music to build community.Carol is an accomplished pianist and has been very involved leading children’s worship in the church, loving her opportunities to help children focus on God through movement, song and instrumentation.
Carol has been married to David for 26 years and has two children. Her daughter, Rachel lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband and family and her son, Kyle, is in the United States Navy.
Randy Miller, B. Mus. - intro to music technology
After studying music in high school, Randy Miller was able to travel with different groups and bands both here in the states and internationally including Denmark, Sweden, and Australia. I then attended Grace Bible College to study music and recording and graduated in 1999 with a Bachelors of Music with and emphasis in contemporary music and recording arts.
In the winter of 1999 I was ask to as an staff member to help continue to devolve the recording arts program at Grace Bible College and in 2001 until the present I am a full time faculty member as well as head of the digital media department.
Thomas Peck - TAP, student teaching
(see biography above under "Trombone")
Les Rowsey, M.A. - choral music education
Les Rowsey is in his thirty-second year of teaching and his twenty-third in the Jenison Public Schools. His teaching responsibilities include working with the high school Male Chorus and Chamber Singers, team-teaching the Treble Choir, Advanced Women's Chorus and Chorale with Dr. Robert Oster, and often team-teaches the 7-8-9 Male Chorus with "Doc" and Steven Waters. Further, he teaches private voice and coaches individuals and small groups within the JHS Choral Program.
Les is also an adjunct professor at Cornerstone University, teaching the choral component of the secondary music methods class. He particularly enjoys mentoring student teachers and sharing ideas with new choral directors. In the summer, he teaches private voice lessons and spends time with his wife Karen and their four children Sarah, Beth, Erica and Scott.During Les' tenure in Jenison, the choir ensembles and soloists have received numerous first division ratings at District and State Festivals. Jenison groups and individuals have appeared at the Midwestern Music Conference and ACDA Regional Conferences on eight occasions, and the Chamber Singers have been chosen to perform at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival thirteen times, most recently in 2007. An active member of the Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA), Rowsey has twice been a District Manager, has hosted numerous District and State events, and has conducted MSVMA State Honors Choirs in 1991, 2000 and 2001. He was named both the Jenison Public Schools' Teacher of the Year and a State Board of Education Finalist for Michigan Teacher of the year in 1991-1992. He was also the MSVMA State Music Teacher of the Year for the 1999-2000 school year. Les received his BA in Music from Olivet College in 1977 and his MA in Choral Conducting from Western Michigan University in 1985.
Les has previously taught in the Benton Harbor and Portage, Michigan school systems and served on the music faculty at Western Michigan University.
John Varineau - basic conducting and advanced conducting: instrumental
As associate conductor of the Grand Rapids Symphony, John Varineau conducts the orchestra on all of its concert series, including the Richard and Helen DeVos Classical Series, Fox Motors Pops Series, the SymphonicBoom Series, Erika’s Deli Bistro Market Rising Stars Series, DTE Energy Foundation Family Series, Lollipop Concerts sponsored by Target Stores and the Chase Picnic Pops. He also conducts a variety of educational and outreach concerts throughout the area. Committed to nurturing the next generation of classical music lovers, he brings an infectious enthusiasm to students throughout West Michigan.
Mr. Varineau is a frequent visitor to area schools, and the 2008-2009 Season marks his 22nd year as the conductor of the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra. He has been a visiting orchestra conductor both at Calvin College and Western Michigan University. Last season he was a guest conductor for the Traverse City Symphony.
Mr. Varineau also appears in a variety of summer music programs in the region and plays in the chamber music group, Montage. In 2003, he appeared twice as a guest conductor with the Arkansas Symphony. Additionally, he conducts the Grand Rapids Symphony for performances by the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. Mr. Varineau is a clarinetist and teaches clarinet at Calvin College and Grand Rapids Community College. Mr. Varineau attended Michigan State University, the University of Wyoming and Yale School of Music for his clarinet training. He has made three recordings with the Grand Rapids Symphony and three with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. This is his 24th season with the Grand Rapids Symphony. He and his wife, Gwen, have an 12-year-old daughter, Jade, and a ten-year-old son, Justin.
Kent Walters, D.W.S. - Chorale, Advanced Conducting: Choral
Kent Walters earned the Doctor of Worship Studies degree from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Orange Park, Florida, and the Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University under Dr. Charles Smith. He received his B.A. in Secondary Music Education from Calvin College, and a Diploma in Music Ministry from the Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music.
Dr. Walters serves as the Director of Alumni Activities for the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies where he has developed an online repository of worship resources for music and worship leaders, publishes Anamnesis: the IWS Newsletter and the Webber Quote of the Week, and plans annual post-graduate seminars in worship taught by leading scholars from around the world. He is also professor for the Practicum Course sequence.
While serving at Grace Bible Church in Grandville as Pastor of Worship and Music for 31 years, he established, directed and trained leaders for a comprehensive music and worship education ministry that included choirs for pre-school age through adults, instrumentalists, and various worship teams. With a passion for worship and music, Kent taught and led the church in numerous aspects of worship renewal, conducted seasonal choral-orchestral concerts, launched handbells and concert series ministries, led two choir tours to Europe, and produced two choral recordings. Following the second choir tour, he was invited to teach a worship seminar in Germany for pastors, musicians and worship leaders.
Kent and his wife Candy live in Jenison and have three sons and one granddaughter: Scott and Tanya (and baby Lana), Evan and Emily, and Jonathan.
Matthew Westerholm - Director of Worship Arts, Contemporary Ensemble, piano
Matthew Westerholm serves as Director of Chapel Worship for Cornerstone University and adjunct faculty in their music department. Before coming to Cornerstone, he served for ten years as a worship pastor at one of the largest churches in the country, Harvest Bible Chapel. During that time, Matthew's itinerant ministry has included serving as pianist and musical director for stadium events with Lifeway Ministries, Moody Pastor's Conference and as ministry accompanist for singer Heather Headley. His song, "The First Place", was selected for publication in a new hymnal entitled "Singing The New Testament".Matthew likes classic jazz, theology, comic books and Chicago sports. Matthew feels comfortable behind a piano, but feels at home only with his wife Lisa and their three boys: Ethan, Owen, and Levi.
Jack Winn, Ph.D. - Methods/Materials for Elementary Teachers
Jack D. Winn, adjunct in music education, received an Associate in Arts degree (AA) from Grand Rapids Community College, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree (BME) from the Conservatory of Music at Wheaton College in Illinois. He also earned MM and PhD degrees in music education from the University of Michigan, working closely with Dr. James A. Standifer and Dr. Catherine Nadon-Gabrion.
Dr. Winn’s passion is for providing a joyful music learning experience for elementary age children, particularly for those with special needs, including autism. He describes his teaching style as thematic eclectic, highlighting the methodologies of Orff, Kodaly, and EducationThrough Music (ETM), among others.
Dr. Winn began his educational career teaching general music to elementary and middle school students in the Grand Rapids Public Schools. During his tenure with GRPS he was privileged to be the music instructor during the opening years of two schools of choice; Vandenberg Creative Arts Academy and Campus School of Arts and Literature. After twenty-two years, Jack accepted a position as an elementary music specialist in the Kentwood Public Schools where he has taught for seventeen years. He also has worked in partnership with the student teaching programs of Calvin College, Aquinas College, and Grand Valley State University. For many years, Dr. Winn served as an adjunct music instructor at Aquinas College. In addition, he has presented workshops at both the local and state levels.
Dr. Winn is a pianist and often joins his wife, Paula, in the performance of organ/piano duets and four hand piano compositions. Whenever possible, they enjoy playing two piano selections, primarily in a sacred venue. Dr. Winn has served as a minister of music/worship leader, directing church orchestra and numerous children’s choirs.
Dr. Winn and his wife have four grown children and three young grandchildren. Their children and spouses serve the Lord in various locations throughout the United States and El Salvador.
Staff Accompanists
Deborah Alley - staff accompanist
Diane Cosby - staff accompanist
Mary Hurd - staff accompanist
Michelle Kuhl - staff accompanist
Gwen Varineau - staff accompanist
Susan Berce, Office Manager
Meredith Elyea, Small Ensemble/Travel Coordinator (PT)
Christopher Hamilton, Student Worker (Instrumental)
Zachary Zentmeyer, Student Worker (Choral)
Debbie VanderMyde, Large Ensemble/marketing
