Issuu

We’re Just Getting Started

We are a catalyst for a musicinfused West Michigan: leading, facilitating, connecting and collaborating with the community to stimulate cultural vibrancy, inclusivity and pride of place.

MISSION

West Michigan Symphony connects and enriches our diverse community through the transformative power of music. We fulfill this primarily through three core offerings:

• Professional, live symphonic performances in a welcoming environment

• Inspired small ensemble performances in an immersive live listening room

• Learning activities that enrich the lives of children and adults through exploration, participation and performance

A MESSAGE TO OUR PATRON-INVESTORS

Dear Friend of West Michigan Symphony:

In his book Built to Last, business guru Jim Collins coined the phrase “Big Hairy Audacious Goal,” or BHAG for short: a clear, compelling goal that seems—well, audacious—but it inspires your team, company or group. You believe if anyone can achieve it, you can.

Three years ago, our Audience Committee adopted the “BHAG” of becoming “the most audience-friendly orchestra in the U.S.!” This was an internal goal, not a marketing tagline. We’ve never put it in a season brochure. But as a patron-investor, you deserve to know the thinking that lies behind our strategies.

After three years of using it as our sine qua non, this BHAG is starting to bear fruit. The audience is sensing it—and reflecting it back. One veteran concertgoer shares, “I have never experienced such warmth at a performance.” Another writes, “The energy of the orchestra with the audience is contagious. You can feel how much the instrumentalists love to play and how much the audience appreciates what they create together!”

Scott Speck describes the orchestra as a “jewel box”: our musicians are contracted professionals who perform in a variety of other orchestras and come from throughout Michigan and other states. With only eight concerts a year, the resulting ensemble comes together joyfully each time; every first rehearsal is like a reunion of friends! WMS is a happy orchestra—and it shows.

Our Mainstage Series at the 1,720-seat Frauenthal Center has more than rebounded since the pandemic; attendance has increased 7% over our most successful pre-pandemic season (2018-2019). There’s a similar story to tell at The Block, WMS’s 120-seat listening room. As for the Community Music Encounters, between Tune Up, Debut Strings, Premier Strings and the Children’s Choir, well over a hundred young people are engaged in instrumental and choral music. Enrollment in Link Up is back up to 52 schools from six counties.

In July we made a successful foray into Muskegon’s busy summer season with a Side-by-Side concert at the Frauenthal. This was a first-ever project to engage avocational adult musicians for a full day of rehearsing followed by a free evening concert. In collaboration with the West Michigan Concert WINDS and the Shoreline Community Orchestra, the event included 48 community players playing side-by-side with a like number of WMS musicians; the concert attracted an audience of 1,000.

The 85th Anniversary Season was memorable on all these levels—and we’re just getting started. Thank you for being a partner in spreading the joy of shared live music-making. You are a catalyst for a music-infused West Michigan!

Sincerely,

Andy Buelow President/CEO

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

Where we are today:

- A world-class conductor who is approachable, friendly and a fantastic communicator

- An amazing quality orchestra with professional musicians from more than 10 states

- Performances in a stunning newly restored theater with warm, lush acoustics“the finest concert hall between Chicago and Detroit!”

- A listening room for the musically curious where every performance is immersive

- Community Music Encounters that enrich students and adults through exploration, participation and performance

Where we’re going next:

- Become the most welcoming, audience-friendly orchestra in the U.S.

- Eliminate barriers to participation in music throughout the community

- Expand geographic reach to underserved areas of West Michigan

- Build community partnerships to make West Michigan a year-round cultural center

- Make WMS a destination orchestra for musicians

ARTISTIC HIGHLIGHTS

A Tribute to The Beatles: Classical Mystery Tour

September 27, 2024 at the Frau

Yasmin Williams | Fingerstyle Guitar

October 25, 2024 at The Block

Claire Huangci | Maurice Ravel and Florence Price Piano Concerti

November 22 & 23, 2024 at the Frau and The Block

Jon Holden | Weber Concerto and WMS Friends Chamber Concert

January 24 & 25, 2025 at the Frau and The Block

Ian Maksin | Valentine’s Day Contemporary Cello

February 14, 2025 at The Block

American Divas with Shayna Steele

March 28, 2025 at the Frau

Inbal Segev | Dvorak Cello Concerto & original music

May 9 & 10, 2025 at the Frau and The Block

Copland’s Third Symphony, Sky Concerto & Stradgrass with Tessa Lark

May 30 & 31, 2025 at the Frau and The Block

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kate Kesteloot Scarbrough, Chairperson

Retired Executive Director, Mediation & Restorative Services

Susan Cloutier Crain, Immediate Past Chairperson Retired Executive Director, Disability Network of West Michigan

Bob Garretson, Treasurer CEO, Embark Financial Partners

Merica S. Dobry, Secretary Senior Council, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Larry Fife

Retired Infotainment Director, Siemens and Continental Automotive

Amy Hosford General Manager, KN Literary Arts

Donna Joyce Advancement Director, DOOR International

ARTISTIC STAFF

Scott Speck Music Director

Angela Corbin Debut & Premier Strings Director

Lauren Garza Lead Teaching Artist & Tune Up Program Manager

Beth Slimko WMS Children’s Choir Director

Helen LaGrand Tune Up Teaching Artist

Julia Neckermann Tune Up Teaching Artist

Aveline Shienke Tune Up Assistant Teaching Artist

Bob Kwiecien

Retired Vice President of Sales, Amstore Corporation

Stacy Mellema, CPA Shareholder, Hungerford

Jason Olthoff

Vice President of Sales, Nichols

Emma Peterson

Director of Philanthropy, Trinity Health

Jennifer Ross City Clerk, Muskegon Heights

Ryan Sterkenburg CTFA®, CISP®

VP / Senior Trust Administrator, Macatawa Bank

Tom Trzaska

Director of Strategic Technology, RENK America

Bios of each board member may be found at westmichigansymphony.org/learn-more/board-of-directors

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Andy Buelow, President/CEO

Amanda Dykhouse, Music Librarian

Karen Mueller O’Neill, VP of Development & Marketing

Megan James, Marketing & Design Manager

Maris Myers, Patron Services Manager

Gabe Slimko, VP of Operations & Orchestra

Lisa Tabaczka, Finance & Office Manager

Karen Vander Zanden, VP of Community Learning & Engagement

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

PILLAR I ARTISTIC VIBRANCY

PILLAR II LEARNING

PILLAR III COMMUNITY

PILLAR IV AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

PILLAR V FUND DEVELOPMENT

PILLAR VI INFRASTRUCTURE

• Plan Programming that speaks to people at all levels of familiarity with the music

• Transform concerts into memory-making events

• Eliminate barriers to participation in music for all the community’s youth

• Expand geographic reach to underserved areas of West Michigan

• Develop adult programs that deepen music appreciation and participation

• Build an organizational culture that fosters diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging

• Expand relationships and relevance through strategic collaborations

• Expand organizational visibility and reach; cultivate new audiences

• Build audience loyalty, sense of community and pride of place

• Expand and diversify donor base

• Build lasting, committed relationships with donors

• Supplement annual funding with multi-year, estate and endowment giving

• Invest in a motivated, effective and collaborative volunteer and staff team

• Protect and optimize venues and staging spaces

• Refine and optimize Business Model

PRINCIPAL MUSICIANS

GENE HAHN Associate Concertmaster

MARK PORTOLESE Associate Principal – Violin 2

IGOR CETKOVIC Principal – Cello

ASAKO FURUOYA Principal – Oboe

EDWARD HICKMAN Principal – Trombone

JACIE ROBINSON Assistant Concertmaster

ADAM LIEBERT Assistant Principal – Violin 1

CARMEN ABELSON Assistant Principal – Violin 2

CAMERON SLAUGH Assistant Principal – Cello

ELIZABETH KAPITANIUK Principal – Clarinet

RILEY LINDSEY Principal – Tuba

AMANDA DYKHOUSE Principal – Violin 2

ARTURO ZIRALDO Principal – Viola REBECCA BOELZNER Associate Principal – Viola

ROBERT JOHNSON Principal – Bass

CHLOE ROBBINS Principal – Bassoon

LEO TAYLOR Principal – Timpani

JILL MARIE BROWN Principal – Flute

PAUL CLIFTON Principal – Horn

MATTHEW BECK Principal – Percussion

BILL BAXTRESSER Principal – Trumpet

NORRIS Principal – Harp

SYLVIA

ORCHESTRA ROSTER

Music Director

Scott Speck

Mike & Kay Olthoff Endowed Chair

First Violin

Open concertmaster

Gene Hahn interim concertmaster

Gust and Mary Theodore Danigelis

Endowed Chair

Jacie Robinson asst. concertmaster

Cello

Igor Cetkovic principal

Bass

Robert Johnson principal

Frank E. & Flora M. Johnson Endowed Chair

Open assc. principal

Brett Armstrong

Stephen Reichelt

Flute

Jill Marie Brown principal Sponsored by Anonymous

Abigail Peel

Oboe

Asako Furuoya principal

Clarinet

Elizabeth Kapitaniuk principal

Trombone

Edward Hickman principal

Percussion

Matthew Beck principal

WELCOME NEW MUSICIANS

Lena Vidulich is an adventurous and multi-faceted performer based in Chicago. A tireless advocate for new music, she is also able to move fluidly between the worlds of orchestral music, rock, improvisation, and musical theater. Lena is the violist of earspace , a Raleigh-based ensemble creating multi-sensory performances, and of the Varo String Quartet, which performs at The Block on April 18. Lena holds a Bachelor of Music in violin performance from Northwestern University. She received her Master’s in contemporary violin performance at the Manhattan School of Music. She is also a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique and has served on faculty at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (NYC), the Riverside Initiative for the Alexander Technique (NYC), and Alexander Technique Training in Chicago.

Ebedit Fonseca is a Venezuelan violinist formed in El Sistema (the method on which WMS’s Tune Up program is based) and trained at the Latin American Violin Academy. He has appeared as a soloist with orchestras in Venezuela and Peru, and in 2013 received an Honorable Mention at the Juan Bautista Plaza National Violin Competition. In 2015, he toured Europe as a member of the Caracas Youth Orchestra. By 2017, he was appointed soloist and member of the Piura Symphony Orchestra in Peru. In 2022, Fonseca was awarded a scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance at Roosevelt University. In addition to WMS, he is a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, and The Orchestra San Antonio.

Emily Nardo is originally from Prescott Arizona, where she discovered her love for the violin at age six. After earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees at the San Francisco Conservatory, Emily went on to join the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Since then, Emily has been named Associate Principal Second Violin of Orchestra Iowa and Fixed 3rd Chair of the Des Moines Symphony second violins. In addition to WMS, she is a member of the Northwest Indiana and Missouri symphonies. Emily’s primary teachers are Cordula Merks, Wei He, and Steven Moeckel. She lives in Chicago with her partner and their variety of houseplants.

Luis Eduardo Vivas is originally from Maracay in Venezuela, birthplace of El Sistema. Luis began violin studies with Professor Rubén Carrillo of the Violin Assembly of Venezuela. In 2011 he was admitted to the Latin American Academy of Violin, chaired by Professor Victor Vivas, with whom he is currently studying. He has performed in chamber music recitals, as a soloist and has participated in seminars, recitals and masterclasses at the Latin American Violin Academy in Mérida. He made his conducting debut with the Maracay Youth Orchestra in 2017 and received a performance diploma from Trinity College in London in 2021. He is currently studying with Almita Vamos at Roosevelt University in Chicago.

Elizabeth Kapitaniuk is passionate about positively impacting individuals and communities through compelling and collaborative musical experiences. A member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, she has also performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera, Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Indiana, and the Illinois Symphony, to name a few. A dedicated music educator who maintains a private studio and teaches at multiple high schools, Elizabeth has also served as music director at several churches and as guest lecturer on the faculty of Wheaton College Conservatory. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Wheaton College and a Master of Music in clarinet performance from DePaul University. She was assistant conductor of the Wheaton College orchestra, band and concert choir and is a recipient of the Presser Foundation Undergraduate Scholar Award.

Fabian Correa, a native of Colombia and a dynamic and captivating percussionist, is a member of both the Battle Creek and West Michigan symphonies and principal percussion of the Opera Festival of Chicago. He has performed with the Milwaukee Symphony, Chicago Philharmonic and the orchestras of Champaign-Urbana, Danville, Rapides and South Arkansas, among others. An active educator, he holds a Performance Diploma in Orchestral Studies from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, a Master of Music Performance from University of Illinois, and both a Bachelor of Music Performance and Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Technology from Northwestern State University of Louisiana. A resident of Chicago, he enjoys spending free time with his wife, playing soccer and passionately rooting for FC Barcelona.

Abigail Peel Based in Ann Arbor, Abigail is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Flute Performance at the University of Michigan under the tutelage of Amy Porter. She graduated from the University of Miami, Frost School of Music with a Bachelor’s Degree in Flute Performance under the tutelage of Jennifer Grim. She has previously studied with Catherine Gregory and Jane Bent and has played in masterclasses with Mark Sparks, Ransom Wilson, Nadine Asin, Nora Lee Garcia, and Nestor Torres. Abigail performs a wide variety of music ranging from Baroque to 21st Century, and enjoys exploring jazz and beatboxing techniques on the flute. In addition to WMS, she is a mentor for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Youth Ensemble program and flute instructor at Belleville High School.

Izzy Butler A Chicago-based percussionist, Izzy received her Bachelor of Music from the New England Conservatory under Daniel Bauch and Matthew McKay and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at DePaul University under Cynthia Yeh. Izzy has performed with numerous orchestras including the American Symphony Orchestra, American Composers Orchestra, Boston Civic Symphony, and Longwood Symphony Orchestra. She attended the Aspen Music Festival and School in both 2023 and 2024 and was the recipient of the Charles Owen Memorial Fellowship in 2024. Izzy was also recognized as an Emerging Artist with the Network for Diversity in Concert Percussion for their 2022-2023 cohort. In addition to her performance career, Izzy is an avid educator and maintains a private studio.

COMMUNITY MUSIC ENCOUNTERS

West Michigan Symphony connects and enriches our diverse community through the transformative power of music. The organization reaches deeply into the community through a variety of learning opportunities that enrich the lives of children and adults through exploration, participation and performance. We hope you enjoy this report on our Community Learning Programs.

LINK UP

Children’s concerts with 50+ elementary schools, where students perform on recorders alongside the orchestra.

LINK UP

Over 50 schools from 6 West Michigan Counties!

Each year elementary students from across West Michigan join WMS to learn to read and play music on the recorder, meet professional musicians in their classroom and perform together at the annual concert in the spring.

Carnegie Hall Partnership A founding partner of Carnegie Hall’s Link Up program in 2004, WMS is the longest-running participant in a national initiative now used by over 110 orchestras worldwide.

Student Impact! Since 2004 we have graduated 73,000 students

Full Circle Former participants are now seeing their own children go through the program—and in some cases, they are teaching it!

TUNE UP

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

TUNE UP

Making music! This groundbreaking beginning string program provides free instruments and weekly group lessons to Muskegon Public School students enrolled in MPS's IMPACT After School Program.

Bow License? Students learn how to hold their instrument, use proper posture, and learn to pluck the notes each string sings: E, A, D, and G. The boxes are checked off as they work toward earning their “bow license”!

So many students so many levels In its fourth year, Tune Up has students that have reached higher levels in their musical journey, encouraging us to hire additional Tune Up staff. Level 2, Level 3 and Middle School students continue to build their musicianship and inspire the Level 1 beginners!

CLICK CLACK MOOSIC

CLICK CLACK

…is based on the books by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin and combines storytelling with live music composed exclusively for WMS.

MOOSIC

The Big Red Barn How many orchestras do you know that own their very own barn? We do! The barn appears at every Click Clack Moosic performance at The Block. After the show, kids love having their pictures taken in front of the barn with the musicians.

Ho Ho Ho - it’s a great show! Our annual Christmas show, Clickity Clack Ho Ho Ho, brings together a brass quintet, an elf host, interactive activities and fun Christmas surprises. This show sells out each year and has now expanded to include school field trips during the week in December.

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

MUSIC MENTORS

1,150 School Visits The Music Mentor program places symphony musicians into the classroom every year to provide students the opportunity to meet a professional musician and reinforce what they are learning in the classroom.

DEBUT AND PREMIER STRINGS

Debut Strings is a beginner to intermediate string program under the direction of Angela Corbin. It serves as a supplement to school music programs, home school music instruction, or as a performance opportunity for children taking private lessons.

Premier Strings supports young musicians who are looking for additional performance opportunities. This audition-based program allows blossoming young players to step forward with challenging music and performances.

The icing on the cake? Each season the Premier Strings perform on stage and sit side by side with WMS members at the Link Up concerts.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR

CHILDREN’S CHOIR

Have Voices, Will Travel Directed by Beth Slimko, the WMS Children’s Choir performs throughout the region, bringing their beautiful voices to many events, including Home for the Holidays, Lumberjacks games, the Berlin Raceway, Christkindl Market in Grand Rapids, schools events, local festivals, and their combined concerts with Debut/Premier Strings.

Tuesday Night Rocks at The Block With weekly rehearsals, the choir hones skills, learns new music, builds friendships, and has fun doing what they love—singing!

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

WMS'S FIRST EVER SIDE-BY-SIDE EVENT: Community Musicians Join the Pros

SIDE-BY-SIDE

WMS’s free Side-by-Side concert on Saturday, July 12, 2025 was an unforgettable night—featuring the excitement of Star Wars, the spirit of Sousa marches, and the elegance of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. The music came to life through the professionalism of WMS’s core musicians and the passion of guest community musicians. WMS partnered with the West Michigan Concert Winds and Shoreline Community Orchestra to promote this event. Nearly 50 community players signed up and were sent the music in advance to help them prepare. The daylong marathon began with sectional sessions, followed by an all-afternoon orchestra rehearsal. The evening concert was presented as a thank you to the community and to celebrate the close of the 85th Anniversary Season.

"We brought our two kids who are 4 and 5 and they were obsessed! It was the perfect introduction for them to the symphony."

"The concert was delightful. Pure enjoyment."

"They sounded wonderful... after one rehearsal!"

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

WMS ENDOWMENT

West Michigan Symphony’s Endowment is held in funds at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC) and the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF). The corpus of each is owned, managed and directed by these foundations, whose trustees determine the timing and amount of distributions.

Established in 1992, the CFFMC Secure the Spirit Fund reported a fair market value of $672,101 on June 30, 2025. Established in 2020, the CFFMC Play Your Part fund reported $3,355,909 on the same date. The GHACF Play Your Part fund, established in 2021, was at $117,290—a combined total of $4,145,300.

PLAY YOUR PART CAMPAIGN

The Play Your Part Campaign’s purpose is to provide stable revenue for the future, including a special fund restricted toward education program growth—specifically for Tune Up, which successfully completed its third year during 2024-2025. We thank all those who have given generously to the campaign to date.

To learn more, please contact Andy Buelow at 231.726.3231 or abuelow@westmichigansymphony.org.

PLAY YOUR PART CAMPAIGN as of 6/30/25

WMS has been our treasure for 16 years. Our front row seats have given us the privilege of viewing the movements of guest artists, noting how the musicians play their remarkable instruments, and observing Scott as he gave mini music lessons — all up close. –16 YEAR SUBSCRIBERS–

PLAY YOUR PART DONORS

MAESTRO: $250,000 AND UP

Michael & Kay Olthoff

Larry & Lari Hines

Jeffrey Lake Johnson

PREMIER: $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

Jan Witt

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

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

Rachel Calderon in memory of Dick Baker

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+

Cathy & Bernie Berntson Fund of CFFMC

Jon & Jane Blyth

Orville Crain & Susan Cloutier Crain

Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFFMC)

Mary Theodore 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

2024-2025 OPERATING REPORT

FY2025 was a successful season both artistically and financially. Subscription and single ticket sales exceeded budgeted goals by a combined $34,220. Overall attendance rose to 12,155, a modest 3% increase over the previous season but 7% over the last full pre-pandemic season, FY2019. This resulted in earned revenue totals of $530,942— $23,000 over the budgeted goal. Two Mainstage performances were virtually sold out: September’s Beatles Tribute (87% of capacity) and Home for the Holidays (97%). Many of The Block concerts sold out; overall attendance was at 89% capacity.

In contributed revenue, the success factors were multifaceted. The Gala secured its highest-ever net, $185,000, exceeding budgeted goal by 49%. Annual individual gifts continued strong at $478,000. A private donor stepped forward to fund a three-year project to increase organizational presence and public awareness, communicate WMS’s full impact story, and expand patron base and revenue. Lastly, foundation support came in over goal due to increased support from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and a Symphony Economic Recovery grant program (also multiyear) funded through the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

2024-2025 SEASON OPERATING RESULTS*

* Please visit www.westmichigansymphony.org to view the most recent audited financial results.

WMS ANNUAL FUND

GIFTS AND PLEDGES AUGUST 1, 2024 THROUGH JANUARY 9, 2026

$10,000 AND UP

Anonymous (2)

Susan Cloutier Crain

Jan & Laura Deur

Deborah DeVoursney

Bob & Heather Garretson

Douglas Hannink & Jocelyn Shaw

Douglas & Janet Hoch

Stephen & Debra Jackson

Amy J Klop

Daniel & Sheryl Kuznar

Steve & Deb Olsen

Jason & Jamye Olthoff

Mike & Kay Olthoff

Brad & Kathleen Playford

Barbara Potuznik

Jill Sanders

Jack & Becky Slimko

Philip Smith & Family

Liz & Tom Trzaska

$5,000-$9,999

Anonymous (2)

Allen & Sandy Beck

Jane Blyth

Pete & Sherry Brown

Andy & Beth Buelow

George W & Lori Lynn Cannon III

Mark & Jennifer Gross

Carl & Sylvia Hansen

Robert & Clara Harrell

Jeff & Gwen Hazekamp

Bruce & Donna Hood

Amy & William Hosford

Nelson & Elizabeth Huldin

Paul & Karen Jackson

Patricia Johnson

Wendy M Kersman

Kate Kesteloot Scarbrough

Ratan & Vicky Khatri

Rich & Nancy Klassen

Lois & Bill Lydens

Chris McGuigan & Gary Neal

Patrick & Sheila Miller

Joanna Norris

Bonnie Olson Memorial Fund

Sawyer Family Fund of CFFMC

Mary Price & Tom Schaub

Sam Slaughter & Anne Lehker

Dr. Michael & Marijean Smith

Susan & Stephen Struck

Roger & Rebecca Tuuk

JoLee Wennersten

Jim & Linda Zolman

$2,500-$4,999

Charles Alstrom

Roy & Esther Baldridge

Amy Bensinger

Joanne Bensinger

Brian & Jill Boersema

Janice Buck

Gordon & Mary Buitendorp

Bob & Charlotte Chessman

Valerie Church-McHugh & Fred McHugh

Darlene Collet

Don & Kathy Dahlstrom

Anne M Dake

Eric & Merica Dobry

Mary Douville

Robert & Cathleen Dubault

Kevin & Annette Even

William & Mary Lou Eyke

Larry & Lynette Fife

Evelyn Geile

James & Susan Geisler

David F Gerdes & Carolyn Smith-Gerdes

Richard & Holly Hughes

Pat Hunt

Ed Hunt & Nancy McCarthy

Rob & Julie Johnson

Dick & Lynn Kamps Fund of the CFFMC

Barbara Kelso

Heather Kettler

Mike & Becky Kuznar

Bob & Dee Kwiecien

Tim & Lynette Lipan

Jim & Mary Malek

John & Jessie Martin

Cindy Mazurek

Don & Jean Medema

Mark & Bonnie Meengs

Stacy & Eric Mellema

Jane Missimer

KN Literary Arts

Frank & Emma Peterson

David & Beth Pickard

John & Karen Pitcher

Bob & Carol Pyka

Susan Rehrer

Gretchen & Randy Rhoades

Dan & Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga

John Saling & Diane Fischer

Laura Schultz

Robert N & Merle N Scolnik

Advised Fund of the CFFMC

Scott Speck

Dr Alan Steinman

Ryan & Kris Sterkenburg

John & Mary Swanson

Drs David & Linda Taylor

Peter M Turner

Brad & Erika Vanbergen

Elinore Verplank

Michael & Patricia Wade

Karen & John Wells

Melody & JR Whitby

Marguerite & Kenneth Winter

Jon J & Cathy Workman

$1,000-$2,499

Anonymous (2)

Melisa Baker

Susan & Frank Bednarek Fund of the CFFMC

Herb & Anne Bevelhymer

Dave Bishop

Susan Blake

Ronnie & Kelli Bluhm

Nick Bolema

Dana & Claudia Bryant

Jennifer Grow & Rick Charles

Amy Conn Tenny

E Jane Connell & Steven W Rosen

Diane DeGrazia

William & Donna Eckert

Joel & Linda Engel

Mark & Christine Fazakerley

Charles & Patti Fisher

Manley Ford

Mary Anne Gorman

Bill Haug & Jane Curtis

Dr Tom & Heidi Hill

Greg & Debi Hillebrand

Larry & Lari Hines

Susan Hoekenga

Wilda James

Joel & Kathleen Jarvis

Thomas Knight

Rna & Kara Komarek

Patricia Ladas

Susan Meston

Barbara & Joseph Mockus

Roger C Morgenstern

Kathryn Neumann

Amy Norris & MJ Towle

Chris & Amy Olthoff

Mike & Dina Poland

Roy & Britta Portenga

Judith Rahrig

Eric & Michelle Ringelberg

Clyde & Beth Rinsema

Brian & Julia Rupp

Wietse & Melanie Schaafsma

Duane & Susan Schecter

Allen & Mistelle Serio

Craig & Cathy Simons

Kathy & Kevin Smith

Dr Carlo V Spataro

Dr F Remington & Ginny Sprague

John & Sue Sytsema

Nicole Thomas

Kristine & Jim Tyler

Ed DeJong & Diane VanWesep

Ellie Williams

Jan Witt

Tom & Jane Witt

Jane J Wright

$500-$999

Anonymous

Ross & Sandra Aden

Lisa Bayne

Gary & Carol Beatty

Colin Billingsley

Eriic & Monica Bollman

Art & Marilyn Bolt

Richard & Marilyn Brown

Ron & Ann Marie Brown

John Max Busard & Elizabeth Busard Fund

Pat & Amy Campanelli

Curtis Chambers & Diana Wojton

George & Deborah Chmelar

Rudy & Pat Chmelar

Dr Donald & Nancy Crandall

Mary Theodore Danigelis

Marcia D'Oyly

Karen Driver

Amanda & Gregory Dykhouse

Carla Flanders

CMF Marketing & Events

Charles & Lynn Freeman

Charles & Jeanne Gembis

Nick Gereaux

Dana & Jeff Glamzi

Brennen & Rachel Gorman

David & Shari Groendyk

Virginia Hague

Jeff & Gail Hall

Michael Hanley

Mike & Jamie Hekker

Roberda Hilleary

Cornelia Holley

Norma Jean Horan

Mary Anne & Thom Hornik

Marcia Hovey-Wright

& Ernie Boone

Maureen & Don Huldin

Todd & Tami Jacobs

Robert & Susan Johnson

Donna Joyce

Michelle Kantor Hanley

Joan La Mourie

Brian & Gay Landstrom

Mark Luttenton

David MacPherson

Adam & Amanda Moblo

Scott & Janee' Musselman

Perry & Deb Newson

Eric & Lori Nisja

Richard & Katie Norton

Daniel & Dominga Partenio

Patricia Renucci

Nick & Barb Pietrangelo

Sylvia Precious

Rosenberg Family Trust

Bob & Bobbi Sabine

Sally Schwartz

John & Zephyra Selmon

Jonathan Seyferth & Matthew Ellis

Helen & Jay Smith

Tom & Denise Spoelman

Susan Sridharan

Eileen B Stoffan

Tom & Nanci Stone

Clifford & Lucia Storr

George & Dottie Strabel

Julie Stuberg

Kim Suarez

Robert S Swan

Marty & Heidi Sytsema

Ann & Dan Tabor

George & Laura Thurlow

Don & Jane Tjarksen

Richard & Marge Tourre

Catherine & Chris Uganski

Vanessa & Alex Vander Meulen

William & Susan Vander Zanden

Susan Vogel-Vanderson

Jay & J'Nai Wallace

Bill & Shirley Walther

Ann M Wassmann & Thomas Edwards

Sheryl Wescott

Judy Wilcox

Dr Roy Winegar & Ms Barbara Klingenmaier

Lynn Winter

Robert & Joanne Zayko

$100-$499

Anonymous (7)

Jason & Ann Aerts

Laura Aikens

James Alexander

Kirsten Anderson

Tom & JIll Archambeau

Bernadette Arnold

Margo Atwell

Larry & Sandy Austin

Greg Bassett

Earl Baxtresser

David & Sue Bird

William Black

Jeanne Kuharivicz Bleich

Dr Mary & Robert Boyer

Jerry & Marcia Brichan

Jennifer Bride

Bill & Sue Brookstra

Martha & Eddie Brown

Michael & Joanna Buboltz

Brenda Burgess

Jay Burrows

Marie Bustin

Jeff & Kelly Clark

Don Clemens

Joanne Cochrane

Bill & Carol Cross

Jessica Wolin & Frank Crownover

Andrew & Samantha Cutler

Debbie Dausey

Bill & Joan Davis

Ian & Shannon Davis

Agnes De Boer

Chris Dean

Paula DeGregorio & Frank Galante

Dean Denman & Gale Ford

Calvin & Patricia Deur

Phil & Kim Deur

Larry DeVoogd

David & Dortha DeWit

John & Jan Ditmar

Joyce Downing

Kevin & Jane Drake

Judy Draper

Dennis & Barbara Dryer

Janice Dyer

Nancy Emmerich

Robert & Jackie Engel

Harold Englund

Jean Enright

Wallace & Jane Ewing

Jill Farkas

Cork Farkas & Kathy Mauck

Katy & Walt Felver

Eugene Fethke

Dale & Bridget Fox

Steven Frantz

Trevor & Amy Friedeberg

Bruce Froelich & Margot Haynes

Arlen-Dean Gaddy

Cesar Galan

Rick Gentile

Susan & Ellery Gill

Marjorie Gorajec

Ann Gorter

Marcia Grasman

Patricia Groessl & David Leonard

LaDon Gustafson

Revs. Jerry & Susan Hagans

Kirk Hallman & Dawn Boston

George & Eve Hamstra

Richard & Diane Harder

Brad Hastings & Ashley Arnounts

Lois Haverman

Judith Hayner & Charlene

Romanosky

Marcy Henehan

Mike & Ginny Henry

Patricia Hesling

Gwen Hoffman

William Hogan

Hon Kathy L Hoogstra & Dr Robert Hoogstra

David & Dina Horne

Margaret Hudson

John & Jane Humphrey

Nicholas Huryk

Jessica Jenkins

Natalie Johnson & Dana Pink

Marjorie Jones

Donita Kelly

Laura & Kourosh Khatir

Kellen & Mary Kiley

Jay Kilgo

Randy & Debra Knapp

Alan Kohley

Judy Komar

Sarah & Gregory Korose

Bruce & Mary Krueger

Pete & Mimi Kunz

Monica Lakatos & Steve Preston

Kenneth & Christine Lee

Fred & Pam Levin

Lori Lind & Jill Ryan

Holly Lookabaugh-Deur & Sean Deur

Marsha Love

Velvet Lyght & Arvin Candelaria

Joseph Lyons

Deborah Margules

Christine Marshall

Adam & Anna Mausolf

Chris & Kayla May

Molly McCarthy & Timothy Hicks

Eileen McCormick & Lynne Nash

Shirley McIntire

Mary McKiernan

John & Cindy McKinnon

Mary McLaughlin Eyke

Stephanie McNamara

Howard & Carole Meade Fund

Richard Meads

Carol Meech

JB & Lynn Meeuwenberg

Joan Menke-Schaenzer

Rich & Teresa Micheil

LaShelle Mikesell

Tony Moceri

Wendy Morden

John & Lisa Mulder

Michael T. Naess

Jennie Naffie & Richard Oman

Bruce Neckers

Jil & Phil Nehra

Adam & Daisha Ngo

Donielle Nichols

Robert & Holly Nolan

Carol Norris

Bill & Erin O'Brien

David Olsen

Garry & Charlotte Olson

Henry & Mollie Osborn

Cara Owens

Bill Papo

Richard A Pardini

Bob & Linda Penny

Gary & Beth Post

Garry Post & Robert Hill

Debbie Potter

Thomas Prince

John & Janet Quinn

Joan Reeg

Cindy Ribesky

Anthony Rickley & Terry Chambers

Gail Ringelberg

Claire Ritter

Dr Gary & Pennie Robertson

Derek & Claire Root-Benson

Susan Rositch

Karl & Barbara Rowe Family

Gregory Shaull

Schierholz/Hogan Family Fund of CFFMC

Stephen Schmidt

Gwynne & Steve Schoff

Pat & Ed Schroeder

Susan Schuiteman

Lennie Schwaiger

Brianna Scott

Todd Sellon

John & Elaine Severson

Euginnia & Brodie Seyferth

Karen Shields

Jeff Shoemaker & Nancy Birge

Kim & Andy Sims

Colleen & Joseph Skendzel

Dr Melissa Smith

Emylia Smith

Joanie Smith

Cindy Soyars

Larry Sterkenburg

Michael & Cindy Stevens

James & Nancy Stier

Robert Strauss

Zachary & Jessica Stucky

Judith Tabaczka

Loretta Temple

Judy Theune

Rebecca Thomas

Judith Tierney

Charles & Susan Rogalla Tindall

Katie Trzaska-Miller

Peggy Tully

David & Mary Turbessi

Brandon & MonicaTurnbull

Pastor Bill & Bev Uetricht

Ula Rzepien

Stephen & Valerie Vallier

Bruce Van Dop

John Van Walsum

David Vander Wall

Phillip & Loraine VanderPol

Kay VanderWall

Nancy L Vanderwest

Mikala VanDop

John & Gwen Varineau

Sabrina Warren

Louann & Hank Werksma

Nate & Amanda Westbrook

Neil & Beverly Whitbeck

Brewster & Mary Ellen Willcox

Rachael & Ian Wright

Raimonds T Ziemelis

CORPORATE, ARTS COUNCIL & FOUNDATION DONORS

$10,000 AND UP

City of Muskegon

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

DTE Energy Foundation Fund

Embark Financial Partners

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation

Harbor Steel & Supply Corporation

Hines Corporation

Howmet Aerospace

Leonel L. & Mary Loder Fund of the CCMC

Meijer Foundation

Michigan Arts & Cultural Council

Smith Davis Morse Group

Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

The Gerber Foundation

The Leonard Luxury Apartments

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Webb Chemical Service Corporation

Women's Division Chamber of Commerce

$5,000-$9,999

Fremont Area Community Foundation

Howmet Community Fund of the CFFMC

Lorin Industries

Macatawa Bank

Raymond James

Samuel L. Westerman Foundation

Shoreline Insurance Agency, Inc.

Trinity Health

White Lake Community Fund of the CFFMC

$2,500-$4,999

Consumers Energy

Grand Valley State University

Hungerford

i'move

Muskegon Community College

RENK America

$1,000-$2,499

Billie Klont Greinke Memorial Fund of the CFFMC

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Hazekamp's Premier Foods

Mart Dock Corporation

Mary C Payne Fund of the CFFMC

Newkirk Electric

Sparta Community Foundation

$500-$999

Ann & Bud Eichmann Fund of the CFFMC

Choice One Bank

John L. Wheeler Memorial Scholarship Fund of the CFFMC

Wintrust Community Bank

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

Susan Cloutier Crain

Pete Brown

Marcia D’Oyly

David Gerdes

David Hogan

Holly Hughes

Pat Hunt

Paul Jackson

Wendy Kersman

Deb Newson

Kay Olthoff

Mike Olthoff

Sylvia Precious

Chip Sawyer

Ann Tabor

Peter Turner

Jane Toot

Jane Wright

BLOCK UNDERWRITERS

Consumers Energy

Grand Valley State University

Lorin Industries

Michael & Kimberly Martin (Endowed)

Muskegon Community College

Steve & Deb Olsen

Mike & Kay Olthoff

Mary Price & Tom Schaub

Shoreline Insurance Agency

Jack & Becky Slimko

Raymond James

Smith, Haughey, Rice and Roegge

Trinity Health

Tyler Sales

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION DONORS

Past Chairs COMMITTEE

Samuel L. Westerman Foundation