“The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.”

J.S. Bach

Our Story

Webpage by Grace Rossman & Savannah Keck

The Hope College Orchestra, based in Holland, Michigan, is Hope’s premier audition-based instrumental ensemble, open to students of all academic disciplines. The diverse backgrounds and talents of the orchestra members are celebrated through the fostering of interdisciplinary conversations within the course structure and concert programming. The ensemble is led by the Orchestra Board, which consists of nine elected representatives and orchestra director, Samuel Pang. The orchestra has been blessed with significant growth in recent years, and is presently comprised of over 80 musicians. The Hope College Orchestra anchors itself in J.S. Bach’s belief that “the aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” Hence, musical excellence as an act of worship is central to the purpose of the orchestra. Through their concert programs such as “The Symphonic Story of Hope,” “The Symphonic Story of Scripture,” and “The Symphonic Story of Home,” the orchestra seeks to share a story that extends beyond mere music making, one that deeply impacts their audience. Concert repertoire that represents the sins of humankind, God’s salvation, or Christ’s death and resurrection, paired with a deep passion to worship God through music, results in an orchestra that creates music for a purpose greater than themselves. The orchestra was awarded the honor to perform as a featured Showcase Ensemble at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of the 2025 New York International Music Festival, providing the ensemble with an opportunity to share their “Symphonic Story of Hope” with those from all around the United States. Though a monumental achievement for the ensemble, the Carnegie Hall Tour was just the beginning of the Hope College Orchestra’s success and legacy — the ensemble strives to continue to share its music, worship, and stories with an even greater audience. Though 2025 came with great success for the ensemble, they also faced great hardship. The orchestra lost one of their own, violinist Jennifer Kasunick on January 11. In light of this tragic loss, the orchestra has found another purpose for their music — to honor the life and memory of Jennifer.

Fall 2025 Audition Information

The Hope College Orchestra is looking for new members! All students are welcome to audition, regardless of major. The orchestra will be performing Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” this fall. Additional details, as well as audition excerpts, can be found in the “Audition Information” below. Thank you for your interest in joining the Hope College Orchestra!

Carnegie Hall Tour April 2025

The Hope College Orchestra took to one of the world’s most famous stages on April 8, 2025 — New York City’s Carnegie Hall. After a competitive audition process that took place in the Fall of 2024, the orchestra was chosen to be featured as a Showcase Ensemble of the 2025 New York International Music Festival, a coveted honor awarded to only two university-level ensembles. Nearly 90 members of the orchestra traveled from Holland to New York City, instruments by their side, to be a part of Hope College Orchestra’s Carnegie Hall debut. The orchestra made the most of their 40 minutes on the stage of Carnegie Hall, performing their “Symphonic Story of Hope” concert series, which featured both technically and emotionally challenging repertoire, that when united created a musical story that explored themes of hope, human desire, sin, and God’s Salvation. The orchestra’s purpose as a showcase ensemble was to act as an inspiration to the hundreds of young musicians in attendance, and that they did. They received a standing ovation in Carnegie Hall as the last note of Saint-Saëns’ “Organ Symphony” rang throughout the auditorium. 

The Symphonic Story of Hope

Carnegie Hall, April 8 2025

The Human Desire for a New World

Symphony No. 9 - Allegro con fuoco Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904)

The Human Desire for Love

Liebesleid Fritz Kreisler (1875–1962)

The Horrors of the Holocaust

Theme from Schindler's List John Williams (1932–)

The Sins of the Slave Trade

Gabriel's Oboe from The Mission Ennio Morricone (1928–2020)

God’s Salvation through the Incarnation (Romans 5)

O Magnum Mysterium (Orch. by S. Pang) Morten Lauridsen (1943–)

Death and Resurrection with Christ

Goodness of God & All the Way My Savior Leads Me Jenn Johnson (1982–) (Orch. by S. Pang) Fanny Crosby (1820–1915)

In loving memory of Jennifer Kasunick (2004–2025) & Eastwood a.k.a. Rowdy (2013–2025)

The New Heaven and the New Earth (Revelation 20-22)
Symphony No. 3 In C Minor,"Organ Symphony" Finale Camille Saint-Saëns (1835–1921)

In Loving Memory of Jennifer Kasunick

June 24, 2004 - January 11, 2025

On January 11, 2025 beloved violinist and friend of the Hope College Orchestra, Jennifer Kasunick, passed away in a pedestrian-train accident. Jennifer’s guide dog and faithful companion Eastwood, A.K.A. Rowdy, who joined the orchestra during every rehearsal and performance, was reunited with Jennifer on April 30, 2025. Jennifer was a true light of the orchestra — her smile was infectious, her laugh filled the rehearsal room, and her constant positivity was admirable. Jennifer was rarely seen without a smile lighting up her face; whether at the end of a tiring dress rehearsal or on a stressful performance day, she always remained steadfast in her positivity. Jennifer has left behind a tremendous impact on the orchestra, and remains an inspiration to the ensemble. It is difficult for a musician to envision performing without sight, yet that barrier did not deter Jennifer from excelling as a violinist; rather, she overcame the challenge with an unwavering determination. This persistence applied to all aspects of her life — Jennifer was a beloved Resident Assistant in Phelps Hall and a talented vocalist, involved in musical theater and Hope College’s Nykerk Song Competition. Her dedication to her passions will forever remain an inspiration to the Hope College Orchestra. Jennifer was a bold and faithful servant to the Lord, and her model of a devout and Godly life encourages the orchestra through their grief. The orchestra cherishes the legacy that Jennifer has left behind and strives to honor her life through their music.

Goodness of God & All the Way My Savior Leads Me @ Carnegie Hall, NY.

In loving memory of Jennifer Kasunick (2004–2025)
& Eastwood a.k.a. Rowdy (2013–2025)

Emma Schulz, Allison Waden, Mallory Neebes, Olivia Wiley,
AnnaLeah Lacoss, Megan Hayduk, Abby Howe, Jonah Whalen, Matthew Kunzi, nonet

Hope College Orchestra

The last enemy to be destroyed is death (1 Cor 15:26).

We mourn the passing of Jennifer, we mourn the passing of Eastwood, and we do not shy away from the grief. We weep, and Jesus weeps with us (John 11:35). We miss Jennifer deeply, and until we see her again, we will not stop missing her. Nevertheless, because of our Lord’s incarnation, death, and resurrection, we also hold onto the hope that all who died on this side of eternity will one day resurrect and see God face to face, meaning we will also see Jennifer again and join her in the heavenly choruses when we worship the Lord and rejoice together. This segment is an orchestration combining two songs together in memory of Jennifer and Eastwood. During Jennifer's memorial services in Ohio and Michigan, attendees found comfort in a video recording of her beautiful performance of Goodness of God, which Jennifer had previously sung publicly during high school. All the Way My Savior Leads Me was written by Fanny Crosby—a blind composer who wrote more than 8,000 hymns and gospel songs with more than 100 million copies printed. This orchestration features a nonet that repeats the motif from the Goodness of God while the tutti takes over and plays All the Way My Savior Leads Me whenever the nonet fades away. The nine members from the nonet represent different circles and roles that Jennifer had at Hope College, while the tutti represents the many heavenly voices that surround Jennifer and welcome her into the eternal chorus of the Lord. For Jennifer, some of these heavenly musicians will be people she had already heard of or met before; others will be new friends she meets for the first time. Now, they learn a new song together as they sing and worship before the throne of God (Rev 14:3).

Meet the Orchestra Board

  • Matthew Kunzi, Bass, '26 - President

    Major in Elementary Education and Minor in Special Education

    Hi everyone! My name is Matthew and I play the bass! I’ll be your orchestra president next year! I’ve been in orchestra since 6th grade and it has been one of my favorite opportunities in college!! Can’t wait to keep making music with all of you!!!

    Best way to contact me: Matthew.kunzi@hope.edu

  • Mallory Neebes, Clarinet, '26 - Vice President

    Major in Music and Biblical Studies

    I am the principal clarinetist and vice president of the Orchestra. Although I have a deep love for all kinds of music, my heart sings when faith and music overlap (which is more often than you might think!). As I have furthered my studies in music, it has deeply informed my understanding of God, like a kaleidoscope coming into focus, showing something beautiful. I am passionate about how faith and music can be a tool for community, music making, and performing within the orchestra.

    Best way to contact me: mallory.neebes@hope.edu

  • Millie Brown, Violin, '26 - String Representative

    Major in Nursing

    I have been playing violin for over 13 years and have been in an orchestra for 9! I love the communal aspect of being in an orchestra and getting to grow together as we get to know each other, and the music, even more. I’m excited to be a part of the board and foster community within our members!!

    Best way to contact me: millicent.brown@hope.edu

  • Rachel Chia, Violin, '27 - String Representative

    Double Major in Psychology and Music (B.A. in Piano)

    Hi there! My name is Rachel and I'm on the Orchestra Board as a violin representative. This lets me support the group in a behind-the-scenes way while still being part of the music-making. I joined Hope College's orchestra because music has always been a place of community for me—where I feel connected, understood, and part of something bigger than myself. I’ve been playing the violin since I was 10 years old, and this ensemble has been a constant in college that I’ve really appreciated—something to look forward to each week. After graduation, I’m not sure exactly where I’ll end up, but my choice of studies in psychology and music stems from my interest in clinical psychology and the growing field of music therapy. I would love to venture into a pathway that brings together what I love doing (music) with what I find greatly fascinating and interesting (psychology). One favorite memory was watching How to Train Your Dragon together on our “research night”—classic.

    Best way to contact me: rachelyenning.chia@hope.edu

  • Jonah Whalen, Cello, '26 - String Representative

    Major in Psychology and Minor in Music

    My name is Jonah and I am proud to be one of your string representatives this year. This is my final semester at Hope, and one of the things I will miss most is the wonderful culture we've built within the orchestra. I have played the cello for almost eleven years now, and one of my favorite experiences in an orchestra has been being able to audition, plan, and prepare for our trip to Carnegie. I have had the opportunity to be your longest-standing board member, alongside your cello principle last year, and it has been amazing to experience the growth of the orchestra. Music is something incredibly important to me, and I hope to incorporate it into whatever I do post-graduation. I can't wait to soak in as many wonderful memories as I can this year, and look forward to getting to know more of you as I do.

    Best way to contact me: jonah.whalen@hope.edu

  • Nicholas Walker, Horn, '26 - Brass Representative

    Major in History and Classical Studies

    I’ve played horn for nearly ten years, and I’ve been a part of Hope’s Orchestra for the last three. Although my goal is to keep horn in my life, I am planning on attending law school post graduation. On the Orchestra Board, I advocate for the interests of my fellow brass players. Beyond that, I find great joy in helping design things on Canva and nitpicking the drafts of our concert posters. Easily my favorite Orchestra memory is playing Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 in Carnegie Hall with such an amazing and close-knit Orchestra. Orchestra is where I’ve found the most meaning—and the most joy—in making music.

    Best way to contact me: nicholas.walker@hope.edu

  • Olivia Wiley, Horn, '27 - Brass Representative

    Major in Neuroscience, Music and Psychology

    Hi, I’m Olivia and I am a horn player and a brass representative on the board this year! I have been playing horn since middle school, and I will be starting my third year in the orchestra this year. I am a music major, but I also have a deep fascination with the brain and how it works; I currently plan on pursuing research in the field of music cognition post graduation! My favorite parts of orchestra have all involved the wonderful community that we have created, particularly the New York trip. There is something truly special about the people in this group, and I’m so thankful for the connections it has brought me. I cannot wait for the chance to meet new people and make music together!

    Best way to contact me: olivia.wiley@hope.edu

  • Allison Waden, Oboe, '27 - Woodwind Representative

    Major in Elementary Education and Minor in Music

    Hello! My name is Allison, and I am an oboe player and woodwind representative on the orchestra board this year! I have been playing the oboe since I was 10, and I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing community of people. One of my favorite aspects of this group is how we combine music and faith to glorify God through our playing. I am truly so grateful for the connections this group has brought me and am looking forward to another great year of music making!

    Best way to contact me: allison.waden@hope.edu

  • Sam Shuler, Organ and Trumpet, '27 - Large Instrument Representative

    Major in Organ Performance and Minor in German

    Hi! My name is Sam and I have been in the orchestra for 2 years. I’ve played the organ for almost 9 years now and have loved every minute of it. I joined the orchestra because I had been a part of my high school’s wind ensemble and the Michigan State youth wind symphony and I really enjoy playing with other people. My plans for after graduation are to continue studying the organ until I have my doctorate. My favorite memory of orchestra was obviously playing the Organ Symphony in Carnegie Hall with an amazing group of musicians.

    Best way to contact me: samuel.shuler@hope.edu

Upcoming Events

  • Homecoming Concert

    October 17, 2025

    7pm

    Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Concert Hall

  • Orchestra Hymn Sing Concert

    November 7, 2025

    7pm

    Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Concert Hall

  • Christmas Vespers

    December 6, 2025

    4:30pm

    December 7, 2025 3pm

    Dimnent Memorial Chapel

  • Musical Showcase

    February 6, 2026

    7pm

    Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Concert Hall

  • Concerto & Aria Competition Winners' Concert

    February 27, 2026

    7pm

    Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Concert Hall

  • Orchestra Concert

    April 10, 2026

    7pm

    Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Concert Hall

Official Concert Recordings

Lauridsen: O Magnum Mysterium (Orch. Pang) @ Carnegie Hall — April 8, 2025

Highlights from The Symphonic Story of Home: A Hymn-Sing Concert —November 8, 2024

Highlights from Concerto & Aria Winners’ Concert — February 23, 2024

Morricone: Gabriel’s Oboe @ Carnegie Hall — April 8, 2025

Concert Archives

Make a Donation

Support the Hope College Orchestra by contributing today.

After debuting at Carnegie Hall, Emma Schulz (orchestra president) and Professor Pang returned to The Anchor to thank the Hope College Orchestra supporters.

Thank you so much for your support. We promise you, Carnegie Hall was just the beginning.

Event Archives

  • New York Concert Tour 2025 - Carnegie Hall

    The Hope College Orchestra has been invited to perform in Carnegie Hall as a showcase orchestra for the 2025 NY International Music Festival!

    The performance is on April 8, 2025.

    Please visit the official Hope College Music Department website for more information, or contact Prof. Pang (pang@hope.edu) if you have any questions.

  • Jennifer Kasunick Memorial Service February 22, 2025

    In February, the Hope College campus came together to honor and remember Jennifer Kasunick in a beautiful and emotional service.

    The Hope College Orchestra and Chapel Choir shared music throughout, performing hymns like Great Is Thy Faithfulness and This Is My Father’s World. Both groups also joined together for a powerful performance of O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen.

    Near the end of the service, a recording of Jennifer singing Goodness of God was played. When her voice faded out, the Chapel Choir picked up the chorus, and then invited everyone in the audience to sing along.

    To watch the full service click on the button labeled “watch here” below

  • Audition Information (Fall 2024)

    The Hope College Orchestra performs nationally and internationally as Hope’s premier audition-based instrumental ensemble. The ensemble also celebrates its members’ diverse talents by fostering interdisciplinary conversations in its course structure and concert programming. Orchestra students elect nine representatives to form the orchestra board, and together with the orchestra director, they become the curriculum planning committee responsible for shaping an orchestra course that benefits students not only in their artistic growth but also in their various degree programs and vocations.

    The audition registration is open to all students on campus, regardless of major.