James D. Borst
Adult ChoirChancel Choir
James D. Borst earned the Bachelor of Music and the Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University. He holds a PhD in choral music education, also from MSU. As part of his degree program, Borst completed course work at Westminster Choir College and the Rene’ Clausen Choral School. He studied choral conducting with Charles K. Smith, Dale Warland, and Doreen Rao. Dr. Borst has previously been music director of several churches throughout Michigan, including Haslett, Holland, Spring Lake, Grand Haven and Grand Rapids. His most recent position was two years as interim organist and youth choir director at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids. His principal pipe organ teachers were Dr. John Hamersma, Jonathon Tuuk, and Dr. Corliss Arnold. orst has taught at all academic levels from Kindergarten through the university. Starting in his first year of teaching choral music at East Grand Rapids High School, Dr. Borst previously taught choral music at East Kentwood High School and was the Coordinator of K-12 Fine Arts Education for Kentwood Public Schools. He taught K-12 choral and general music at North Muskegon Public Schools from 1985-1990. He has been adjunct professor of music at Grand Valley State University, conducting the GVSU Festival Chorale from 1999-2004, and recently teaching in the GVSU graduate music education department. Dr. Borst’s varied teaching career includes conducting choirs for St Cecilia Music Center, the North American Choral Company, and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. He has presented sessions several times for the Michigan School Vocal Music Association at the Summer Workshop, the Midwestern Conference on Music in Ann Arbor, and the Michigan Music Conference. Additionally, he has presented sessions for the ACDA-Michigan and ACDA-Indiana state conventions. He continues to be in demand as guest clinician and festival adjudicator throughout Michigan. We welcome Jim Borst as our Director of Music and look forward to his leadership in the coming year!
Jane Van Hof
Children and Youth Choirs
Cherub ChoirCelebration SingersCelebration Ringers
Pilgrim Ensemble
For nineteen years Jane Van Hof has worked throughout the Grand Rapids area as a church musician. At East Congregational Church, Jane leads vocal and handbell choirs for children and youth. She also plays the organ as needed. During the week, Jane enjoys making music with four choirs at Valleywood Middle School in Kentwood where she serves as Choral Music Director. Prior to that, Jane taught music in the Grand Rapids Public Schools and served as adjunct faculty at Western Michigan University. Jane also teaches guitar and piano and is an accomplished violinist and violist. Born in Chicago, Jane spent most of her childhood in Grand Rapids. She attended Calvin College, graduating with a BA in English and Music Secondary Education. Jane earned her Masters degree in Educational Studies from Western Michigan University. Jane’s three wonderful sons – James, Michael and Matthew – are her pride and joy. In her spare time, she enjoys running, biking, exercising at the YMCA, cooking, reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends. We welcome Jane as director of our youth and children’s choirs.
Chris Roe
Organist & Pianist for all choirs
Chris Roe came to East Church in June of 2009, shortly after completing his undergraduate studies in elementary education at Grand Valley State University. After serving in a variety of churches, Chris has discovered a passion for a blended worship of contemporary and traditional strands, which he is anxious to share with East Church. Through years of classical training, worship in contemporary settings, and his own improvisations, Chris looks forward to being a part of exciting, meaningful, and reverent worship at East Church. Chris comes from Lansing, Michigan where his family still resides. He believes the values and experiences that he shared with his family have shaped much of who he is today, and enjoys visits home to spend time with them. In his free time Chris enjoys running, working out, spending time with friends, practicing, and living in downtown Grand Rapids. We already have experienced the energy and passion of Chris as he leads us in worship.