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A picture of Dr. James Sawyer, the band's music director/conductor
Dr. James Sawyer, Music Director

Dr. James R. Sawyer is a native of Chicago and moved to Grand Rapids by way of the University of Michigan. There he earned a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance. His conducting experience includes 45+ years of public/private school instruction and serving as Director of Bands at Livingstone College of North Carolina and Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

 

He coordinates the jazz camp at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and is adjunct instructor for Teaching Jazz Techniques at Grand Valley State University. He holds degrees from VanderCook College of Music, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and a Doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. As a performer, his credits include playing for such artists as The Temptations, Bob Hope, Bob Newhart, Shirley Jones, and the Lawrence Welk All-Stars.
 

Locally, he plays with the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, the Truth in Jazz Orchestra of Muskegon and is a free-lance trumpeter. He feels honored and blessed to have the opportunity to conduct this prestigious musical organization.

A picture of Jordan VanHemert, the founding artistic director of the HCJO
Jordan VanHemert, Founding Artistic Director

Quickly gaining recognition as a diversely-skilled emerging artist, Dr. Jordan VanHemert is a woodwind specialist, composer, and educator. VanHemert’s performing career has taken him to venues around the United States. He has also been invited to perform his compositions at the North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial and Regional Conferences. An in-demand educator and clinician, VanHemert has presented masterclasses and clinics at high schools and colleges around the country. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Central Michigan University. VanHemert is a member of the North American Saxophone Alliance; the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP); Pi Kappa Lambda, and The International Society of Jazz Composers and Arrangers.

 

 

 

A picture of Keith Walker, a trumpet player in the band and the HCJO board chair
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.  

A picture of Liam Coussens, a bassist in the band and the HCJO board secretary
Liam Coussens, Secretary

Liam plays bass in the band. He currently works as an Administrative Coordinator at Calvin university. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois-Springfield and a Master's Degree in Jazz from DePaul University.

Current HCJO Members
(24-25 Roster)

Saxophones

  • Nathan Kark, Alto

  • Bill Bier, Tenor

  • Roger Wagner II, Tenor

  • Mike Hamann, Baritone

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Trumpets

  • Shawn Nichols

  • Austin Hunt

  • Keith Walker

  • Danny Wade

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Trombones

  • Ed Spier

  • Patrick Parrish

  • Jeff Carroll

  • Adam Graham

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Rhythm Section

  • Lisa Sung, Piano

  • Liam Coussens, Bass

  • Dave Gillespie, Guitar

  • Mark Lopez, Drums

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Music Director/Conductor

  • Dr. James R. Sawyer

A picture of the full HCJO band performing at the Park Theatre in Holland, MI

HCJO Board Members

  • Keith Walker, Chair

  • Liam Coussens, Secretary

  • Joe Bradley, Business Manager

  • Rev. Dr. Daniel Gillett

  • Patrick Parrish

  • Chad Elhart

  • Mark Sluiter

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