Grand Valley State University Music Program

05/14/2026

When fans enter the new Acrisure Amphitheater in Grand Rapids to hear their favorite artists, they will first hear the venue's official theme song performed by Grand Valley State University music students: https://www.woodtv.com/news/grand-rapids/something-big-gvsu-orchestra-records-amphitheater-theme/

05/05/2026

As we shared last week, our Symphony Orchestra had the opportunity to record a signature song for the new Acrisure Amphitheater, opening this summer in Downtown Grand Rapids!

Read more about the collaboration on GVNext:

When the Acrisure Amphitheater in downtown Grand Rapids opens, guests will be greeted by an opening theme performed by the Grand Valley Symphony Orchestra. The recorded work is slated to play before every event at the venue.

05/01/2026

04/28/2026

Every year, each program at GVSU selects a graduating student as their Excellence-in-a-Discipline Award Winner. This year's recipient for Music is Andrew Kales.

Hometown: Orchard Lake, Michigan
High School: Bloomfield Hills High School
High School Orchestra Teacher: Scott Wolf

Ensemble/Production/Organizational Involvement at GVSU:
-ASTA Student Chapter (President 2 years, Vice-President 1 year)
-Symphony Orchestra (Concertmaster + Co-Concertmaster, 3 years)
-Laker Jazz Combo (4 years)
-New Music Ensemble
-University Band
-Past experiences in Dr. Mahave-Veglia’s class chamber ensembles

"My ultimate goal is to build such a strong community in an orchestra class that regardless of why a student is in my future class, they feel welcome, a sense of belonging, and can make lifelong friends along the way."

Congratulations to Andrew on this achievement; read more about Andrew at www.gvsu.edu/mtd/excellence

04/22/2026

The Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is seeking applications for a full-time, visiting faculty position in collaborative piano and class piano to begin in August 2026. This is a non-tenure track, one-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal for up to 3 years.

Please visit the link below for more information and to apply!

Summary: The Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is seeking applications for a full-time, visiting faculty position in collaborative piano and class piano to begin in August 2026. This is a non-tenure track,....

04/21/2026

Thanks to GVNext for highlighting our partnership with the St. Cecilia Music Center's Youth Orchestra, which provides Music Education students with professional experience and real-world learning.

Read the article linked below to learn more about this program developed by Associate Professor Dr. Joel Schut and funded through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Voyage Experiential Learning Pilot Program.

Music education students are gaining professional experience as mentors to youth orchestra members.

04/21/2026

Tonight, join us for a joint performance from the Anima Vocal Ensemble and the Varsity Glee Club!

Anima Vocal Ensemble & Varsity Glee Club
Dr. Chuck Norris, conductor
Dr. Andrew Lenhart, collaborative pianist

7:30 PM
Cook Dewitt Center
Free and open to the public

04/20/2026

Tonight, join us for the final performance of the semester from the University Arts Chorale!

University Arts Chorale
Dr. Chuck Norris, conductor
Dr. Andrew Lenhart, collaborative pianist

7:30 PM
Cook-Dewitt Center
Free and open to the public

04/20/2026

As we round out the Winter 2026 semester, join us for one of these great Music events!

More information about these and future events (including student recitals) can be found at www.gvsu.edu/mtd/events

04/16/2026

Join us this evening for a performance from Nicholas Susi, Assistant Professor of Piano from the University of South Carolina!

Guest Artist Recital: Nicholas Susi, piano
7:30 PM
Sherman van Solkema Recital Hall
Free and open to the public