Mission Statement
To create and encourage a thriving artistic, student centered environment by promoting diverse musical experiences in a manner that reflects our commitment to our faith and in service to our God.
Calvin Ensemble History
- Orchestra – December 9, 1908 (10 people in the group)
- Band – 1920-21 (maybe earlier)
- Oratorio – October 25, 1920 (First performance was March 22, 1921)
- Men’s Glee Club – November 1917
- A Capella (Capella) – 1935
- Meistersingers – 1953
- Women’s Chorale – 1945-47, 1965
Covenant Fine Arts Center
- 1966-Fine Arts Center is opened and dedicated.
- 1985- Calvin Music Department becomes a member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
- 2009-Fine Arts Center closed for renovations.
- 2010-Covenant Fine Arts Center reopens with added space and upgrades to the Auditorium and Recital Hall.
- 2011-Currently 13 Full-Time Faculty, 28 Part-Time Faculty, and 8 Staff Members.
Pianos
The college owns pianos in the Fine Arts Center and around campus in dorm lobbies, the Field House, the Commons, Gezon Auditorium, Spoelhof Center, Knollcrest Dining Hall, the Manor House, and the Seminary. Housed in the Auditorium are two Steinway concert grands and a Bosendorfer concert grand. The remainder of the pianos in the practice rooms, faculty offices and classrooms are provided by West Michigan Piano.
Organs
The Bernard D. Zondervan Memorial Organ
The Bernard D. Zondervan Memorial Organ, housed in the Covenant Fine Arts Center Auditorium, was built by Schlicker in 1966. The organ has 39 ranks, 32 stops, and tracker action. Click here for a full list of organ stops.
The DeWitt Family Organ
Click here for a full listing of organ stops on the DeWitt Family Organ.
The Studio Organ
Located in the Covenant Fine Arts Center 206. Click here for a full listing of specifications.
The Noack Organ
Located in the Calvin Chapel (prayer chapel).
Practice Organs
Located in the Covenant Fine Arts Center, rooms 203 & 204 (rooms specifically reserved for organ practice).
The Becker Positiv Organ
Harpsichords
The college owns 2 harpsichords made by Keith Hill. The two-manual “French” harpsichord made in 1981 has three sources of strings, 8’, 8’, and 4’. The single-manual “Italian” harpsichord made in 1988, has four 8’ of strings, a buff stop and a transposing keyboard. To use the harpsichords for practice or recitals, students must get permission from Professor Stapert. As these instruments require more frequent tuning, studnets should inform the Events Manager as early as possible if a harpsichord will be needed in a recital.
String Instruments
Students who are members of a Calvin ensemble or take private lessons and do not own their own instruments may rent from the large supply of string instruments owned by the Music Department. There is no rental charge for the use of college-owned instruments although the student is responsibile for standard maintenance caused by daily wear and tear. Contact the Music Department for information on instrument loan.
Llewellyn L. Cayvan String Instrument Scholarship:
Mr. and Mrs. Leo L. Cayvan were long-time supporters of the Calvin Music Department. In addition to funding several music scholarships, Mr. and Mrs. Cayvan donated an excellent collection of stringed instruments to Calvin. This collection includes a small number of professional-quality instruments that are made available to students as non-monetary scholarship awards. Incoming and returning students are eligible for these awards, which are based on achievement and need. The awards are renewable, pending review by a music faculty committee. Students who are awarded these [non-monetary] Llewellyn L. Cayvan Violin, Viola, Cello or String Bass Scholarships are expected to perform with the Calvin Orchestra and take private lessons. Click here for more information about Calvin's string program. The application form for this award can be found here or you may request a copy from the Music Department.
Wind, Brass, and Percussion Instruments
Students who are members of a Calvin ensemble or take private lessons and do not own their own instruments may rent from the large supply of wind, brass, and percussion instruments owned by the Music Department. There is no rental charge for the use of college-owned instruments although the student is responsibile for standard maintenance caused by daily wear and tear. Contact the Music Department for information on instrument loan.
Handbells
Calvin owns a five-octave set of Malmark handbells and three octaves of choirchimes. These handbells are used for rehearsals and concerts by the Calvin Handbell Ensemble and for Knollcrest Music Camp during the summer.
