Advocate, Educate, Perform
Keith Walker, Board Chair
Keith Walker spent 31 years in public education as a high school band director after receiving a Bachelor of Music degree from Western Michigan University. He also holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, also from WMU. Keith is a founding member of the HCJO and serves as its board chair as well as sitting in the trumpet section. His work as a teacher spans three decades in three districts and two states. The HCJO mission of "Educate" is obviously a favorite. As a trumpet player he has performed with the West Michigan Symphony, the Holland Symphony, and the HCJO.
Liam Coussens, Secretary
Liam plays bass in the band currently. He currently works as an Administrative Coordinator at Calvin university. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from University of Illinois, Springfiled and a Master's Degree in Jazz from DePaul University.
Mark Sluiter, Logistics Chair
An active participant in West Michigan’s music community, Mark Sluiter (trumpet) credits an Al Hirt performance at the Ionia Free Fair in the mid ‘60s with inspiring him to pursue the trumpet. After graduation from high school he attended Grand Rapids Junior College and Western Michigan University, where he majored in Music Education.
In addition to working as a band director at area school districts over a period of 25 years (including Grand Haven, Fruitport, and Spring Lake) Mark has appeared as a member of a number of classical and jazz ensembles. Classical credits include the Kent Philharmonia and West Shore Symphony Orchestra (now the West Michigan Symphony). His work as a freelance performer has also led to engagements with the Hark Up Horns, Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, Truth in Jazz Orchestra, Muskegon Civic Theatre, Grand Rapids Civic Theater, Hope College Summer Repertory Theater, and the Grand Rapids Circle Theater. He has also performed with operatic soprano Jesse Norman, gospel artists Steve Green, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and Mowtown group,The Temptations.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Gillett
Dan is lead pastor at Holland First Reformed Church and is charged with responsibilities for worship, preaching, and visionary leadership for our congregation. He has been with First Church since 1992.
Dan grew up in the Greenville/Grand Rapids, Michigan area and attended Western Michigan University where he earned his Bachelor of Music and his Masters of Arts in Counseling and Counseling Psychology. He received his Master of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan and his Doctorate in Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California