The Hope College Department of Music will present a “Homecoming Gala Concert” featuring multiple ensembles on Friday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts.
The public is invited. Admission is free.
The concert will feature performances by the Hope College Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Fashun; Jazz Arts Collective, conducted by Jordan VanHemert; Wind Ensemble, conducted by Gabe Southard; and Chapel Choir, conducted by Christopher Dekker.
An accomplished percussionist and violist, Fashun has several years of orchestral and chamber music experience. He serves as the director of orchestras, the music director of the Brazilian Music Ensemble and an instructor of instrumental music education.
VanHemert began his career teaching at Hope earlier this fall. He teaches applied saxophone lessons, saxophone quartet and Survey of Jazz, and is the director of the Jazz Arts Collective.
Southard is an associate professor who conducts the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band, teaches flute and leads the instrumental division of the music-education program.
Dekker is the visiting director of choral activities. He primarily directs the Chapel Choir and College Chorus. Dekker has served several churches in the West Michigan area both as choir director and organist.
The concert is part of the college’s “One Big Weekend: Homecoming and Family Weekend” celebration, which is running Friday-Sunday, Oct. 11-13.
The Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts is located at 221 Columbia Ave., between Ninth and 10th streets.