2021-2022 RETURN TO LIVE WAS “PURE MAGIC”
Last night was my first concert in several years, due to COVID. What I heard was different: richer, fuller. The musicians are engaged with renewed intensity and precision while displaying huge dynamic range. The connection between conductor and ensemble was awe-inspiring. This is hard to pull off and is pure magic.
There has been much written nationally about the negative impact of the pandemic on performing arts—and it has indeed inflicted dire hardship—but one clear positive is that, at least in the case of WMS, the ensemble has emerged with a renewed artistic vibrancy. And the audience is responding to it.
Last season, WMS transitioned back to in-person concerts after 15 months of virtual-only, performing the entire series live with CDC-recommended safety protocols in place and continuing a video-streamed option for those not ready to return to the hall. We began the season with reduced-size, physically distanced ensembles; by the June finale, we were back to the full symphonic roster.
They say necessity is the mother of invention. We may have thought we were just adapting to circumstances, but the pandemic changed WMS in important ways. More than ever, we value the tradition from which the symphony stems—but we are holding it more lightly. There is a newfound sense of freedom in shaping performance content, and a willingness to try new things.
2021/22 was an inflection point in another important sense. In the summer, we entered the public phase of the Play Your Part Education & Endowment Campaign. Jan Deur and Kay Olthoff chaired this effort to grow WMS’s Endowment and expand its youth education footprint. Both of these objectives are beginning to bear fruit, as you will read below. We are grateful for their leadership!
As we reflect on the challenges of the past several seasons, and celebrate the “pure magic” of our music making together during 2021/22, these words of T.S. Eliot come to mind:
The end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.
Thank you for your support!
With gratitude,
Susan Cloutier Crain Scott Speck Andy Buelow Chairperson Music Director President/CEOARTISTIC HIGHLIGHTS
Music Director Scott Speck shares his thoughts about 2021-2022’s most memorable moments:
BEETHOVEN & BLUE JEANS WITH VIOLINIST RANDALL GOOSBY
This all-Beethoven concert gave us a chance to feature the exquisite violinist Randall Goosby in a breathtaking performance of the Beethoven concerto. Over the ensuing weekend, the ebullient young artist also turned in a beautiful program at The Block; and thrilled members of WMS’s Premier Strings by unexpectedly sitting in with them during their performance at the Symphony Gala.
NOTHIN’ BUT THE BLUES WITH SHAYNA STEELE
We knew from advance reviews and YouTube clips that Shayna Steele would be an exceptional performer. But nothing could have prepared us for the impact of her live stage presence!
FINALLY SUJARI
In March 2020—just before the dress rehearsal for the originally scheduled performance—the state issued its original moratorium on indoor public gatherings. Two years and two months to the day later, the concert finally took place. To welcome cellist Sujari Britt back—for both the Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto and her longawaited solo performance at The Block—was indeed to “arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”
WMS AROUND THE WORLD
This was the only concert of the season that did not have a guest artist. How wonderful it was to hear from audience members, seasoned listeners and newcomers alike, that it was one of their favorite performances of the year!
FANTASTIQUE FINALE WITH ARTURO ZIRALDO
This concert was a thrill ride from beginning to end. It was a joy to feature Arturo Ziraldo, our principal violist, in the rarely heard Arnold Bax Phantasy. And the pull-out-all-the-stops finale of the Symphonie Fantastique was an unforgettable ending to the season.
RANDALL GOOSBY ARTURO ZIRALDO SUJARI BRITT SHAYNA STEELEMUSIC EDUCATION IN A YEAR OF TRANSITION
Our children’s excitement in gathering to sing, play their instruments, and form enduring friendships was palpable during 2021/22—as West Michigan Symphony Children’s Choir, Debut and Premier Strings and Link Up returned to full live participation. The programs came back stronger than ever with an influx of new and returning students.
LINK UP
This free beginner music education program, a collaboration with Carnegie Hall, impacted 3,000 area Elementary students last season as Link Up returned to live after two years of virtual-only. The students learned to read music and performed melodies on recorders along with the orchestra. The confetti finish was a big hit with everyone—except the Frauenthal Center custodial staff!
DEBUT & PREMIER STRINGS
Our string students returned to live with performances at Link Up, a spring concert with the Children’s Choir, and a fall standalone concert. Far left: Ava Williams wows fellow players with her impromptu “Queen of the Night” aria from Mozart’s Magic Flute. Left, Williams and Naomi Zziwambazza share a buoyant moment backstage at the Frauenthal after the latter’s solo performance of the Haydn Cello Concerto no. 1 during the spring concert.
WMS CHILDREN’S CHOIR
One of the high points of the Children’s Choir’s spring was being back onstage with WMS during Link Up for the first time in two years. “We are Music Together” was the title of their March Frauenthal concert with the two string ensembles. Appropriately, the evening began with “How Can I Keep From Singing,” featuring moving solos from five members.
CLICKITY CLACK HO HO HO
It’s always a big hit, but last December’s “Ho Ho Ho” concert was so popular it was offered four times. This marked the first live presentations since 2019 of WMS’s unique holiday musical storytime for children. The Click Clack Moo series— of which “Ho Ho Ho” is the holiday installment—is based on the eponymous children’s books by Doreen Cronin.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
West Michigan Symphony is committed to building an organization that fosters Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We acknowledge and celebrate the 19th century European cultural heritage from which the symphony orchestra arises. At the same time, we believe the art form is renewed and enlivened by embracing multifarious cultures and influences. We continually explore ways to reflect plurality, inclusivity and curiosity in our artistic programming. We are committed to engaging the underrepresented and making the Symphony a place where everyone experiences belonging. In our Board, staff, musician and volunteer base, we are working for inclusivity in ethnicity, gender, orientation, age, ability and geography—thereby reflecting the rich diversity of West Michigan.
2021-2022 HIGHLIGHTS:
• DEI Steering committee members participated in the Muskegon Health Disparities Coalition’s six-week “Coming Together for Racial Understanding” workshop held at the Muskegon Heights branch of Muskegon Area District Library
• Board and staff members filled a WMS-sponsored table at Muskegon Community College’s annual MLK Unity Breakfast, featuring ABC News correspondent Donna Brazile as keynote
• The Audience Committee collaborated with Muskegon Young Black Professionals to present a special Lunch & Learn featuring guest cellist Sujari Britt. Embark Financial Partners sponsored the event, with a catered buffet by Kuntry Cookin’, for a capacity audience at The Block.
• The WMS premiere of William Grant Still’s magnificent “Afro-American Symphony” was performed at long last—after a 14-month delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• WMS principal players served as volunteer jurists in the annual Sphinx Orchestral Partners Auditions (SOPA), which provides Black and Latinx musicians with auditioning experience. As a result, 16 new players were added to the WMS musician “call list.”
• The first half of a rehearsal was dedicated to sharing the new DEI Roadmap with the full orchestra. Steering Committee members walked the musicians through the plan and received their feedback and ideas.
DEI FRAMEWORK GOALS
• Become a community leader in advancing equity and inclusion through advocacy, dialogue and partnerships
• Become a safe and welcoming organization that encompasses a plurality of voices and backgrounds, reflecting our diverse community
• Offer an inclusive musical repertoire for a broad audience
• Increase access to instrumental and choral music and education, especially for underrepresented youth
• Make DEI an organizational value through ongoing learning, growing, questioning and applying
MUSIC DIRECTOR SCOTT SPECK
Scott Speck became Music Director of the West Michigan Symphony in 2002. Since then he is proud to have helped the WMS enter the ranks of the nation's finest regional orchestras.
Scott also holds positions as music director of the Joffrey Ballet, Chicago Philharmonic and Mobile Symphony. He previously held positions as conductor of the San Francisco Ballet; music advisor and conductor of the Honolulu Symphony; and associate conductor of the Los Angeles Opera. During a tour of Asia he was named principal guest conductor of the China Film Philharmonic in Beijing. He was also invited to the White House as music director of the Washington Ballet.
In past seasons Scott Speck has conducted at London’s Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, the Paris Opera, New York's Lincoln Center, Chicago’s Symphony Center, Washington’s Kennedy Center, San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House, and the Los Angeles Music Center. He has led numerous performances with the symphony orchestras of Chicago, Houston, Baltimore, Paris, Moscow, Shanghai, Beijing, Vancouver, Romania, Slovakia, Buffalo, Columbus, Louisville, New Orleans, Oregon, Rochester, Florida, and Virginia, among many others.
Speck is co-author of the world’s best-selling books on classical music for a popular audience: Classical Music for Dummies, Opera for Dummies, and Ballet for Dummies. He has been a regular commentator on National Public Radio, the BBC, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Voice of Russia, broadcast throughout the world.
Born in Boston, Scott Speck is a Fulbright Scholar, a summa cum laude graduate of Yale University, and an Aspen Conducting Fellow. He is fluent in English, German and French, has a diploma in Italian, speaks Spanish and has a reading knowledge of Russian.
WMS MUSICIANS
2021/22 SEASON
Music Director
Scott Speck
Mike & Kay Olthoff Endowed Chair
First Violin
John Heffernan concertmaster
Sponsored by Pat & Julie Donahue
Gene Hahn assc. concertmaster
Gust and Mary Theodore Danigelis Endowed
Associate Concertmaster Chair
Jacie Robinson asst. concertmaster
Sponsored by Bruce & Donna Hood
Adam Liebert asst. principal
Sponsored by Dr Alan Steinman
Carmen Abelson
Sponsored by John & Sue Sytsema
Hannah Christiansen
Jennifer Kotchenruther
Sponsored by Bob & Charlotte Chessman
Maya Shiraishi
Sponsored by Kevin & Annette Even
Oxana Sourine
Sponsored by Darlene Collet in memory of Lee Collet
Sofie Yang
Second Violin
Amanda Dykhouse principal
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Endowed Chair
Mark Portolese assc. principal
Sponsored by Fred & Joanna Norris
Katie Bast
Sponsored by David & Darcy Dye
Karen-Jane Henry
Sponsored by Norna Verplank
Natalie Hockamier
Britta Bujak Portenga
Sponsored by Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors
Jackie Engel, CFP®
Carol Wildgen
Tatiana Zueva
Viola
Arturo Ziraldo principal
Sponsored by Jan & Laura Deur
Rebecca Boelzner assc. principal
Sponsored by Tom Schaub & Mary L Price
Nicholas Jeffery asst. principal
David Beytas
Sara Churchill
Csaba Erdélyi
Sponsored by JoLee Wennersten
Josh Holcomb
Sponsored by Wietse & Melanie Schaafsma
Yi-Pei Lin
Cello
Alicia Gregorian Sawyers principal
Sponsored by Steve & Deb Olsen
Igor Cetkovic assc. principal
Sponsored by David & Darcy Dye
Brook Bennett asst. principal
Sponsored by Dr F Remington & Ginny Sprague
Lee Copenhaver
Sponsored by Dr Mark D & Kristina M Clark
Abigail Monroe
Sponsored by Cynthia Mazurek
Calin Muresan
Sponsored by Norna Verplank & Tom Knight
Bass
Stephen Castiglione principal
Robert Johnson assc. principal
David Chapman-Orr
Sponsored by Tom Knight
Stephen Reichelt
Flute
Jill Marie Brown principal
Sponsored by Anonymous
Marissa Olin
Sponsored by Mary E Malek
Leslie Deppe piccolo
Oboe
Gabriel Renteria-Elyea principal
Open
Sponsored by Ellie Williams
Phil Popham English horn
Clarinet
Jonathan Holden principal
Sponsored by Jon & Jane Blyth
Stephanie Hovnanian
Sponsored in memory of E. Wesley & Orel A. Borgeson
Lisa Raschiatore bass clarinet
Sponsored by Don & Kathy Dahlstrom matched by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Bassoon
Marat Rakhmatullaev principal
Jason Kramer
Sponsored by Eric & Merica Dobry
Horn
Paul Clifton-O’Donnell principal
Greg Bassett
Lisa Honeycutt
Sponsored by Allen & Sandy Beck
Leah Brockman
Trumpet
Bill Baxtresser principal
Sponsored by Roger & Rebecca Tuuk
Trombone
Edward Hickman principal
Joe Radtke
Evan Clifton bass trombone
Tuba
Clinton McCanless principal
Timpani
Leo Taylor principal
Douglas & Janet Hoch Endowed Chair
Percussion
Matthew Beck principal
Sponsored by Jill Sanders
Jordan Berini
Eric Jones
Sponsored by Cornelia Holley & Sheryl Wescott
Harp
Sylvia Norris principal
Sponsored by Paul & Karen Jackson
Piano/Celesta
Open
Music Librarian
Amanda Dykhouse
Sponsored by Ardy Bulthouse Kroes
WELCOME NEW MUSICIANS
Rebecca Boelzner, Associate Principal Viola
For the past two seasons, Rebecca has called Chicago home, serving as a Fellow in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and teaching young at-risk students through Ravinia’s El Sistema program. Last season, with the support of the CSO Negaunee Institute, she created Notes on Nature, a chamber music concert series meant to highlight the climate emergency.
Nicholas Jeffery, Assistant Principal Viola
A resident of Kalamazoo, Dr. Nicholas Jeffery is a member of the Burdick-Thorne
String Quartet and serves as assistant principal violist with the Kalamazoo Symphony. Strongly committed to teaching, he maintains a full studio of private students at the Crescendo Academy of Music.
Stephen Castiglione, Principal Bass
Improviser, educator, double bass player and composer, Stephen also performs in the Ann Arbor and Canton symphony orchestras. He holds a degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Michigan.
Robert Johnson, Associate Principal Bass
A native of Traverse City, Robert is an active freelancer, playing in orchestras throughout Michigan, including both the Detroit and Grand Rapids symphonies. National engagements include the Dallas Winds and Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble. Now relocated to West Michigan, he is an apprentice luthier at Grand Rapids Violins.
Yi Pei Lin, viola
A native of Taiwan, Yi Pei Lin studied at Taipei National University of the Arts. In addition to WMS, she is assistant principal violist at the Battle Creek Symphony, section violist at the Jackson Symphony, and a graduate teaching assistant at Michigan State University.
Stephen Reichelt, bass
Chicago area bassist, composer and educator Stephen Reichelt has released five albums of solo double bass soundscapes on the Bandcamp platform. He is principal bass of the Dubuque Symphony, acting assistant principal of the Illinois Symphony, and performs regularly with the Chicago Sinfonietta, Oistrakh Symphony, and the orchestras of Charleston, Northbrook and Rockford, among others.
Abigail Monroe,
cello
Abigail Monroe has appeared as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician, toured with the Oakland-based hip-hop orchestra Ensemble Mik Nawooj, and performed with contemporary chamber group Ensemble for These Times. A past concerto soloist with the Golden Gate Symphony and New Mexico Philharmonic, she is a current member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, where she has performed as both principal and section cellist.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bios of each board member may be found at westmichigansymphony.org/learn-more/board-of-directors.
ADMINISTRATION
Andrew Buelow President/CEO
Amanda Dykhouse Orchestra Librarian
Karen Mueller O’Neill Vice President of Development & Marketing
Maris Myers Patron Services Manager
Keely Payne Art Director & Marketing Manager
Gabe Slimko Vice President of Operations/Personnel Manager
Sherrie Tower Finance and Facilities Manager
Karen Vander Zanden Director of Education & Corporate Engagement
2020-2023 STRATEGIC PLAN
VISION
PILLAR III COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
• Plan programming that attracts and inspires people at all levels of familiarity with the art form
• Transform concerts into events that captivate audiences and become the “talk of the town”
PILLAR IV AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
• Work toward eliminating barriers to participation in music education for all the community’s youth
• Expand program geographic footprint to include under-served areas of West Michigan
• Develop adult programs that deepen music appreciation and participation
PILLAR V FUND DEVELOPMENT
• Expand relationships and relevance through strategic collaborations
• Work toward diversifying the organization at all levels to accurately reflect the community
• Expand organizational visibility and reach; cultivate new audiences
• Build audience loyalty, retention and sense of community
PILLAR VI INFRASTRUCTURE
• Expand and diversify the donor base
• Build lasting, committed relationships with donors
• Grow organizational endowment
• Build and retain the human resources needed to achieve this plan
• Protect and optimize venues and staging spaces
• Refine and optimize Business Model
We are a catalyst for a music-infused West Michigan: leading, facilitating, connecting and collaborating with the community to stimulate cultural vibrancy, inclusivity and pride of place.
What began as a dream two years ago has become a reality: Tune Up, the new beginning string orchestra program, is now in session in Muskegon’s Marquette and Oakview Elementary Schools.
The 21 students of the charter class unpacked their instruments in October and are now receiving multiple hours of weekly instruction from Lead Teaching Artist Lauren Garza, along with mentorship by students from Muskegon High School Orchestra.
WMS ENDOWMENT
West Michigan Symphony’s Endowment is held in two funds at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC) and in a third at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF). The corpus of each fund is owned, managed and directed by these foundations, whose trustees determine the timing and amount of distributions—normally an annual amount equivalent to 4% of the average balance over the previous 16 quarters.
Established in 1992, the CFFMC Secure the Spirit Fund reported a fair market value of $547,135 on June 30, 2022. Established in 2020, the CFFMC Play Your Part fund reported $960,136 on the same date. The GHACF Play Your Part fund, established in 2021, was at $81,308.
Play Your Part Campaign
West Michigan Symphony’s $5 million Play Your Part Campaign has two primary objectives. The first is to bring the Endowment to a level that will generate 15% of the annual budget, thereby providing a stable revenue model for the future. The second is to establish startup funding for Tune Up, a new string orchestra program for underserved students. For more information, please see sidebar.
We thank all those who have given generously to the campaign to date. We invite those who have not to consider “playing a part” in WMS’s future—whether through an outright gift or a designation in your will and trusts.
To learn more, please contact Andy Buelow at abuelow@westmichigansymphony.org or 231.726.3231.
Honorary Chairs
Larry & Lari Hines
Robert & Wendy Kersman
Fred & Joanna Norris
Operation Chairs
Jan Deur
Cabinet Members
Sherry Becker
Jon & Jane Blyth
Pete & Sherry Brown
Ryan Bryker
Susan Cloutier Crain
Anne Dake
Part of the 21st CCLC Impact afterschool program, Tune Up is funded entirely by grants and gifts from local foundations, corporations and individuals via WMS’s Play Your Part campaign. In subsequent years, it will expand to include additional MPS elementary schools and Muskegon Middle School. PLAY
Mike & Kay Olthoff
Peter Turner & Jean Enright
Kay Olthoff
Kevin Even
Bill Eyke
Jim & Susan Geisler
Dave Gerdes
Kimberly L Hammond
Paul & Karen Jackson
Roger Morgenstern
Steve & Deb Olsen
Mike Olthoff
Tom Schaub & Mary Price
Dr Alan Steinman
PLAY YOUR PART DONORS
Maestro: $250,000 and up
Michael & Kay Olthoff
Larry & Lari Hines
Premiere: $100,000-$249,999
Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC)
Douglas & Janet Hoch
Robert & Wendy Kersman
Scott & Donna Lachniet
Crescendo: $50,000-$99,999
Bernie & Cathy Berntson
Jon & Jane Blyth
Mary Theodore Danigelis
Jan & Laura Deur
Pat & Julie Donahue
Mark & Christine Fazakerley
Mrs. Carol Folkert
Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF)
Howmet Aerospace
Dan & Sheryl Kuznar
Meijer Foundation
Patrick O’Leary Foundation
Steve & Deb Olsen
Jack & Becky Slimko
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Symphony: $25,000-$49,999
Pete & Sherry Brown
Orville & Susan Cloutier-Crain
Don & Kathy Dahlstrom
matched by Charles Stewart Mott Fund
Rob & Cathleen Dubault
Eagle Alloy
William & Mary Lou Eyke
Fifth Third Bank
Paul & Karen Jackson
John & Jessie Martin
Monica Morse
Dr Richard & Nancy Peters
Tom Schaub & Mary Price
Concerto: $15,000-$24,999
Marilyn Andersen
Allen & Sandy Beck
Jackie Engel, CFP
James & Susan Geisler
Kimberly & Michael Martin matched by Bank of America
Stephen & Susan Struck
Roger & Rebecca Tuuk
Prelude: $10,000-$14,999
Anonymous
Andy & Beth Buelow
G&L Hot Dogs
The Gerber Foundation
David Gerdes & Carolyn Smith-Gerdes
Stephen & Debra Jackson
F. Martin & Dorothy A. Johnson Fund of the GHACF
Paul C Johnson Fund of the CFFMC
Fred & Joanna Norris
Greg & Shelley Olson
Susan Rehrer
Robbins Road Animal Clinic
Dr Alan Steinman
John & Mary Swanson
Liz & Tom Trzaska matched by RENK America
Peter M Turner
Webb Chemical
Judy Wilcox
Overture: $5,000-$9,999
Anonymous
BDO
Bill Baldridge
Sherry Albertie Becker
Frank & Susan Bednarek
George & Lori Lynn Cannon
Cofessco Fire Protection
Consumers Energy
Dr Donald & Nancy Crandall
Anne & Allan Dake
Kevin & Annette Even
Mary Anne Gorman
Judith Hayner & Charlene Romanosky
Greg & Debi Hillebrand
Pat Hunt
Bari Johnson
Tom & Pat Johnson
Dick & Lynn Kamps
Ray & Betsy Komray
Clara Lang
Mark & Bonnie Meengs
Frank & Emma Peterson
Bruce & Marilyn Reichardt
Suzanne Richards & Lee Burlison
Kurt Rosen
Dr F Remington & Ginny Sprague
John & Sue Sytsema
Dan & Ann Tabor
Don & Jane Tjarksen
LJ Verplank
Webb Chemical
Kathy West in memory of David Alan West
Sonata: $1,000-$4,999
Anonymous (3)
Cynthia Ackerman
Christine Adams
Charles & Gloria Alstrom
Margo Atwell
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Jack & Marilyn Brown
Ryan & Katie Bryker
Ardy Bulthouse Kroes in honor of Amanda Dykhouse
Robert & Charlotte Chessman
Dr & Mrs Paul Christie
Dr Mark D & Kristina M Clark
Darlene Collet
Core Realty Partners
Kurt & Cheryl Deford
Jean Enright
Charles & Lynn Freeman
Evelyn Geile
Michael Gluhanich
Mr & Mrs Bill Hendrick
Cornelia Holley
Keith & Mary Kay Hopkins
Hugh & Barbara Hornstein
Richard & Holly Hughes
Ed Hunt & Nancy McCarthy
Joel & Kathleen Jarvis
Heather Kettler
Bruce & Mary Krueger
Peter Kurdziel
Michael Martin
Cindy Mazurek
Chris McGuigan & Gary Neal
Susan Meston
Roger & Jane Missimer
Roger & Michelle Morgenstern in memory of Richard & Nancy Morgenstern
Scott & Janee’ Musselman
Gary Nelund & Angie Wasserman-Nelund matched by State Farm Insurance
Dr Dale & Connie Nesbary
Steve & Kathy Parker
Gary & Beth Post
Denis & Barbara Potuznik
RENK America
David & Georganna Rice
David Roodvoets
John & Marilyn Ruck
John Saling & Diane Fischer
Jill Sanders
Chip & Susan Sawyer
Duane & Susan Schecter
Laura Schultz
John & Elaine Severson
Jocelyn Shaw & Doug Hannink
Shoreline Insurance Agency
Michael & Corina Soimar
Scott Speck in honor of the WMS Musicians
Ted & Judy Stojak
Suarez/Polakis Family
Marty & Heidi Sytsema
Bryce & Marti Tallant
Carol Parker Thompson
Peter & Judy Theune
Judy Tierney
Evan & Rachel Ufer
David & Laura Valk
Karen & John Wells
JR Whitby
Eleanor Williams
Dr Roy Winegar & Ms Barbara Klingenmaier
Jan Witt
Jane Wright
Robert & Joanne Zayko
Environmental Fund of the CFFMC
Douglas & Jennifer Zwemer
Introit: Up to $999
Anonymous (4)
Larry & Sandra Austin
Susan A Bissell Memorial Fund
Charles Black in honor of Fred & Joanna Norris
Gary & Rhonda Bogner
Dana & Claudia Bryant
Jerry & Marcia Brichan
Benjamin Christian on behalf of Tina Horigan
E Jane Connell & Steven W Rosen
Calvin Deur
Harold & Mary Englund
Eugene Fethke
Martha Ferriby
Tilio Giacobassi Family
Erica Gillard
Harvey & Maraleigh Heyer
Ellen Hanichen
Gwen Hoffman
Doug & Judy Hostetler
Mary Ann Howe
Kristi Klomp
Randy & Debra Knapp
Pete & Mimi Kunz
Cindy Larsen
Joeseph & Barbara Legatz
Charles Matthews & Kay Cater Matthews
Patrick & Sheila Miller
Barb & John Mullally
Kathryn Neumann
Perry & Deb Newson
Amy Norris & MJ Towle
in honor of Fred & Joanna Norris
James & Ruth Olthoff
Thomas Pascoe
Janet Payne
William & Gay Peterson
Linda Quaine
Rev William Randall
Mike & Char Ratchford
Stephen & Susan Salisbury
Schieholz/Hogan Fund of the CFFMC
Sally Schwartz
Asaline Scott
Joanie Smith
Howard & Marilyn Swanson
Warren Tibbitts
Richard & Marge Tourre
Mary Towner
Nancy & Gerritt Vanderwest
Rebecca Veltman
Duane & Laurie Wright
Raimonds T Ziemelis
Jim & Linda Zolman
Tune Up Donors: $5,000 and up
Cathy & Bernie Berntson Fund of CFFMC
Jon & Jane Blyth
Orville Crain & Susan Cloutier Crain
Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC)
Mary Danigelis
Jan & Laura Deur
Mark & Christine Fazakerley
Fifth Third Bank
Gerber Foundation
Harbor Steel & Supply Corporation
Hines Corporation
Dr Douglas E & Janet P Hoch
Howmet Aerospace Foundation
Dick & Lynn Kamps
Robert & Wendy Kersman
Dan & Sheryl Kuznar
Scott & Donna Lachniet
Meijer Foundation
Patrick J O’Leary & Karen Yamasaki
Steve & Deb Olsen
Mike & Kay Olthoff
Jack & Becky Slimko
Stephen & Susan Struck
SUSTAINING THE SYMPHONY
2021-2022 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
AUGUST 1, 2021 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2022
$10,000 and up
Anonymous
Jan & Laura Deur
Pat & Julie Donahue
Scott & Donna Lachniet
Steve & Deb Olsen
Mike & Kay Olthoff
Brad & Kathleen Playford
Jill Sanders
Jack & Becky Slimko
Peter M Turner
$5,000-$9,999
Anonymous (2)
Anonymous in honor of Marlene Greiner
Jon & Jane Blyth
George W & Lori Lynn Cannon III
Susan Cloutier Crain
Deborah DeVoursney
Mary Douville
Greg & Debi Hillebrand
Douglas & Janet Hoch
Paul & Karen Jackson
Buzz & Wendy Kersman
Ryan & Emily Leestma
Monica Morse
Sawyer Family Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC)
Tom Schaub & Mary Price
Michael & Marijean Smith
JoLee Wennersten
Marguerite & Kenneth Winter
$2,500-$4,999
Anonmyous
Charles & Gloria Alstrom
Melisa Baker
Bonnie Borgeson
Pete & Sherry Brown
Andy & Beth Buelow
Michael Cerminaro & Connie Verhagen
Dr Mark D & Kristina M Clark
Rob & Cathleen Dubault
William & Mary Lou Eyke
David F Gerdes & Carolyn Smith-Gerdes
Tilio Giacobassi Family
Bill Haug & Jane Curtis
Bruce & Donna Hood
Charles & Vivian Johnson
Park & Kacey Kersman
Clara Lang
John & Jessie Martin
Joanna & Fred Norris
Frank & Emma Peterson
Denis & Barbara Potuznik
Kenneth & Chrissy Robison
Sam Slaughter & Anna Lehker
Michael & Corina Soimar
Scott Speck
Dr F Remington & Ginny Sprague
Susan & Stephen Struck
Marty & Heidi Sytsema
Liz & Tom Trzaska
Roger & Rebecca Tuuk
Elinore Verplank (Norna)
LJ Verplank
$1,000-$2,499
Anonymous (4)
Bruce & Paula Baker in memory of Robert Landman
Allen & Sandy Beck
Susan & Frank Bednarek Fund of the CFFMC
Gordon & Mary Buitendorp
Andrew Busard
Bob & Charlotte Chessman
George & Deborah Chmelar
Darlene Collet
Don & Kathy Dahlstrom in memory of Fred Norris
Eric & Merica Dobry
Marcia D’Oyly
Jackie Engel
Jean Enright
Kevin & Annette Even
Larry & Lynette Fife
Ron Fritz
Evelyn Geile
Don Goodman
Linda Gregorian in honor of Alicia Gregorian Sawyers
Robert & Clara Harrell
Kurt & Antoinette Hildwein
Dr Tom & Heidi Hill
Kathy L Hoogstra
Hugh & Barbara Hornstein
Stephen & Debra Jackson
Todd Jacobs
Bari Johnson
Tom & Pat Johnson
Barbara Kelso
Paul & Patricia Ladas
Mark & Karla Lange in honor of Carol Wildgen
William & Jeanne Leaver Donor Advised Fund of Fremont Area Community Foundation
Jim & Mary Malek
Charles Matthews & Kay Cater Matthews
Cindy Mazurek
Chris McGuigan & Gary Neal
Mark & Bonnie Meengs
Roger C Morgenstern
Scott & Janee’ Musselman
Dale & Connie Nesbary
Perry & Deb Newson
Chris & Amy Olthoff
Jason & Jayme Olthoff
Steve & Kathleen Parker
Dr Richard & Nancy Peters
Ed & Judy Pietila
Gary & Beth Post
Terri Puffer
Susan Rehrer
Gretchen & Randy Rhoades
Clyde & Beth Rinsema
David Roodvoets
John Saling & Diane Fischer
Wietse & Melanie Schaafsma
Laura Schultz
Gregg & Sue Slager
Dr Alan Steinman
Tom & Nanci Stone
John & Mary Swanson
John & Sue Sytsema
Drs David & Linda Taylor
Don & Jane Tjarksen
Dr Jane L Toot
Robert & Nancy Voyt
Michael & Patricia Wade
Karen & John Wells
Melody & J.R. Whitby
Jerry Wiersma
Judy Wilcox
Ellie Williams
Jane J Wright
$500-$999
Anonymous
Ross & Sandra Aden
Sherri Balaskovitz
Cathy & Bernie Berntson Fund of CFFMC
Herb & Anne Bevelhymer
Fred & Ann Bleakley
Claudia Bryant
Greta Bushnell
Valerie Church-McHugh & Fred McHugh
Fritz Coutchie
Dr Donald & Nancy Crandall
Kurt & Cheryl Deford
Deb & Chris Drake
Amanda & Gregory Dykhouse
Dale & Susan Ertzinger
Eugene Fethke
Mary Anne Gorman
Mark & Jennifer Gross
Jan & David Harris
Theresa Hegedus
Cornelia Holley
Mary Ann Howe
Pat Hunt
Wilda James
Joel & Kathleen Jarvis
Robert E. Johnson
Heather Kettler
Tim & Catherine Kozal
Pete & Mimi Kunz
Joan La Mourie
Patricia Locke in memory of Patricia Rathburn Locke
In honor of Arturo Ziraldo
Kyle & Stacey Lohman
Stephanie McNamara & John Meulenberg
in honor of Kay and Mike Olthoff
Rich & Teresa Micheil
LeighAnn Mikesell & Ward LaDuke
Amy S Norris in memory of Fred Norris
Eric & Jennifer Norris in memory of Fred Norris
Nick & Barb Pietrangelo
Sylvia Precious
Donna Little & Faye Redmond
Dan & Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga
Dr Gary & Pennie Robertson
Allen & Mistelle Serio
Dan Sheldon
Carlo Spataro
Jane & Tim Stoepker
Clifford & Lucia Storr
Ann & Dan Tabor
George & Laura Thurlow
Stacey Uganski
Ed DeJong & Diane VanWesep
Matt & Cheryl Wansten
Sheryl Wescott
Harry & Julie Wierenga
Jonathan & Melissa Wilson
Dr Roy Winegar & Ms Barbara Klingenmaier
Robert & Joanne Zayko
Jim & Linda Zolman
$100-$499
Anonymous (8)
Krista Abbott
Dave & Bonnie Adamczak Brown
Joanna Alfredson
Michael Anderson & Brooke Kieft-Anderson
Tim & Cheryl Arter
Margo Atwell
Larry & Sandy Austin
Bill Baldridge
Travis Barkel
Stephen & Martha Bartlett
Greg Bassett
Thomas & Muriel Beattie in memory of Fred Norris
Gary Beatty
Amy Bensinger
Carl & Bonnie Bergman
Robert & Cindy Birtles in memory of Jon Chesney
Andrew Bissonnette
Greg & Kara Black in honor of Fred & Joanna Norris
Isabelle Blake-Evans
Jeanne Kuharivicz Bleich
Arthur & Marilyn Bolt
David & Karen Booth
Greg Borgman
Monica & Matthew Bowen
Mary & Bob Boyer
Jerry & Marcia Brichan
Ron & Ann Marie Brown
Michael & Joanna Buboltz
Brett Burza
Joe & Natalie Carmolli
Curtis Chambers & Diana Wojton
Ray Chaplin
Alyson Chapman
Rudy & Pat Chmelar
Richard & Gay Cole
E Jane Connell & Steven W Rosen
Roger Cooper
Keith & Sue Corbin
Ryan & Angela Corbin
Jared & Bethany Cramer
William & Carol Cross III
David & Marie Culver
Allan & Anne Dake
Steve & Darleen Dangel
Ian K Davis
Garry & Carolyn DeBoer
Paula DeGregorio & Frank Galante
Larry DeVoogd
John & Jan Ditmar
Michael & Nancy Dodge
Brad Doriot
Karen & Herb Driver
Bruce & Esther Drukker
Dennis & Barbara Dryer
Joel Dulyea
Bruce & Linda Eckerman
Kath & Greg Edwards
Joel & Linda Engel
Harold & Mary Englund
Tim & Anne Erickson
Bob & Ann Erler
Wallace & Jane Ewing
Randy & Lynnel Filbrandt
Bobby Fisher
Charles & Patti Fisher
Roberta Fleischmann
William Fohlbrook & Vicky Thalen
Dale & Bridget Fox
Brenda Freye
Bruce Froelich & Margot Haynes
James & Susan Geisler
Chuck & Jeanne Gembis
Jeff Gietzen & Heather Storck
Tonya & Gary Gonzalez
Marjorie Gorajec
Ann Gorter
Thom & Judy Gouwens
LaDon Gustafson
Rev Jerry & Rev Susan Hagans
Virginia Hague
Jeff & Gail Hall
Kirk Hallman & Dawn Boston
Craig & Carolyn Hart in memory of Fred Norris
Kathleen Harwood
Hayner Consulting and Management Services, LLC
Patricia Hesling in memory of Jon Chesney
Thomas & Rita Higgins
Roberta Hilleary
Sandra Hinterman
Bud & Shelly Hoffman in memory of Jon Chesney
Gwen Hoffman
Jonathon & Wendy
William Horne in memory of Margaret Linebaugh and in honor of her children
Mary Anne & Thom Hornik
Marcia Hovey-Wright & Ernie Boone
Richard & Holly Hughes
John & Jane Humphrey
Ed Hunt & Nancy McCarthy
Jose & Sue Infante
Don & Penny Johnson
Robert & Susan Johnson
Donna Joyce
Connie Karry
Loretta Kasprzyk
Karen Kayes
David & Allison Keessen
James Kendra
Kate Kesteloot Scarbrough
Francine Kieft
Louie & Earlaine Kiel
Gloria Klinger
Randy & Debra Knapp
Vicki Kraus
Mary & Greg LaGuire
JoAnn Landman in memory of Robert Landman
Pam Lascko
Phyllis Laurin
Mark Leonard in honor of Steven & Kitty Leonard
Corena Leutscher
Lori & Dave Loring
Sandy Majeski
Deborah Margules
Rondalyn Marron
Michael Martin
Shirley McIntire
Jack McKeough
John & Cindy McKinnon
Paul & Winnie McNergney
Carole Meade
Mr. & Mrs. Graydon Megan
Alice Meldrum
Susan Meston
Alice Michaud
Patrick & Sheila Miller
Sarah Miller
Roger & Jane Missimer
Vern Molitor
Rhonda Myers
Matt & Laurel Nease
Phil Nehar
Kathryn L Neumann
Susan & Tyler Newton in memory of Herb & Ellie Hoeker
John & Mary Nonhof
Carol Norris in honor of Fred & Joanna Norris
Eric Norris in honor of Fred & Joanna Norris
Dr C Michael & Mary O’Brien
Jim & Ruthann Olthoff
Merilee & Kenneth Otto
Richard A. Pardini
Daniel & Dominga Partenio
Thomas Pascoe
Bill & Erika Paulson
Gay C Petersen
David & Beth Pickard
Irene Pierson
Barb Pitcher
Roy & Britta Bujak Portenga
Albert & Elizabeth Posthuma
Margaret Price
C. Bruce & Shirley Privacky
Mike & Char Ratchford
Bruce & Mari Rice
Gail Ringelberg
Kathy & Mike Rohlman
Bruce & Judy Rollston
Susan Rositch
Karl & Barbara Rowe
Andy & Shelly Rush
James M. Rynberg
Bob & Bobbi Sabine
Stephen & Susan Salisbury
Marc Sawyers & Alicia Gregorian Sawyers
Jane Appleton Schapka
Duane & Susan Schecter
Jim Schmidt
Stephen Schmidt
Gwynne & Steve Schoff
Pat & Ed Schroeder
Sue Schuiteman
John Selmon
John & Elaine Severson
Jocelyn Shaw & Doug Hannink
Thomas & Suzanne Shepherd
Colleen & Joseph Skendzel
Hayden Smith
Joanie Smith
Gayle Speck in honor of Andy Buelow
Susan Sridharan
Catherine Steed in memory of Jon Chesney
Anbritt & Darlene Stengele
Bill Papo & Julie Stewart
James & Nancy Stier
Eileen Stoffan
Ted Stojak
George & Dottie Strabel
Julie Stuberg
Verne & Janet Sutherland
Howard & Marilyn Swanson
Mona Thelen
Richard & Marge Tourre
David & Mary Turbessi
Brandon Turnbull
Pastor Bill & Bev Uetricht
Stephen & Valerie Vallier
John Van Walsum
Bridget VanDerhoff
Phillip VanderPol
Nancy & Gerrit Vanderwest
Tom Vitale
Tim Volkema
Bill & Shirley Walther
Daniel & Barbara Weikel
Dan & Nancy Weller
Brewster & Mary Ellen Willcox
Dick & Marilyn Witham in memory of Nancy Kieft
Jan Witt
Joe & Cindy Wolff in memory of Loopo the Clown
Jessica Wolin & Frank Crownover
Jon J & Cathy Workman
Seth York
Douglas & Jennifer Zwemer
Corporate, Arts Council & Foundation Donors
$10,000 and up
Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC)
DTE Energy Foundation Fund
Fremont Area Community Foundation
Harbor Steel & Supply Corporation
Hines Corporation
Leonel L. & Mary Loder Fund of the CFFMC
Meijer Foundation
Michigan Arts & Culture Council
Nichols
RENK America
Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge
The Gerber Foundation
Trinity Health
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce
$5,000-$9,999
DTE Energy
Fifth Third Bank
Howmet Community Fund of the CFFMC
JSJ Foundation
Muskegon Community College
Samuel L. Westerman Foundation
Shoreline Insurance Agency, Inc.
$2,500-$4,999
Active Manufacturing Corp.
Core Realty Partners
Embark Financial Services
Grand Valley State University
Howmet Aerospace
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Lorin Industries
Merrill Lynch
Raymond James
Sand Products Corporation Fund of the CFFMC
$1,000-$2,499
Billie Klont Greinke Memorial Fund of the CFFMC
F Martin & Dorothy A Johnson Family Fund of GHACF
Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF)
Mary C Payne Fund of the CFFMC
Newkirk Electric
Port City Ventures
Sparta Community Foundation
$500-$999
Ann & Bud Eichmann Fund of the CFFMC
Gentry Real Estate LLC
John L Wheeler Memorial Scholarship Fund of the CFFMC
Tyler Sales
Past Chairs Committee
The Past Chairs Committee provides ongoing guidance, advocacy and support to the WMS long after its members’ terms are completed. WMS thanks and honors these individuals for their generosity, collective wisdom and continuing leadership.
Tim Arter
Pete Brown
Marcia D’Oyly
David Gerdes
Holly Hughes
David Hogan
Pat Hunt
G Thomas Johnson
Wendy Kersman
Clara Lang
Deb Newson
Fred Norris
Kay Olthoff
Mike Olthoff
Sylvia Precious
Chip Sawyer
Ann Tabor
Peter Turner
Jane Wright
Block Underwriters
Consumers Energy
Grand Valley State University
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Lorin Industries
Muskegon Community College
Steve & Deb Olsen
Mike & Kay Olthoff
Mary Price & Tom Schaub
Shoreline Insurance Agency
Smith, Haughey, Rice and Roegge
Michael & Corina Soimar
Trinity Health
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
2021-2022 OPERATING REPORT
During the “Return to Live” 2021-2022 season, WMS presented the full course of eight Frauenthal and 11 Block performances to live audiences, while also resuming in person the Children’s Choir, Debut Strings, and Link Up education programs. Ticket sales and program revenue came in 17% higher than the previous season of virtual-only concerts—a reflection of the joy with which our core patrons embraced the return to live attendance. Nevertheless, the continued public health uncertainty forestalled some patrons; dislike of masking and other safety protocols deterred others. This kept attendance below pre-pandemic levels.
For the second year in a row, contributed revenue carried the day. WMS was fortunate to receive a Shuttered Venue Grant of $204,506 from the U.S. Small Business Administration, bringing contributed revenue to $1,046,238—76% of total. This one-time opportunity offset the pandemic-induced downturn in attendance revenue.
Operating expenses were held tight to budget, coming in $21,500 under original projections.
2021-2022 SEASON OPERATING RESULTS*
9%
17%
25%
4%
*Excludes revenue and expense from Play Your Part Campaign. See page 12
CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION DONORS
HOWMET COMMUNITY FUND AT THE
SAND PRODUCTS CORPORATION FUND OF THE
Newkirk Electric
Port City Ventures
Sparta Community Foundation
Gentry Real Estate LLC
Tyler Sales