Our Story

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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