Mr. Greg VanStrien is in his 23rd year as a music educator and his 5th year at Coopersville Area Public Schools. Mr. VanStrien team teaches grades 5th-12th with his co-director Lisa Borst. The Coopersville Bands consistently earn 1st division ratings at the MSBOA Festival Evaluations. Mr. VanStrien is responsible for planning High School events including Marching Band, Jazz Band and the Concert Bands. Recent trips with the Bands include New York City in 2019 and an upcoming return trip in 2023.
His previous position was Director of Bands at Morley Stanwood Community Schools. During his time with the district, he has helped the program grow considerably. Under his direction, the bands performed at district and state festivals earning superior 1st Division ratings on a consistent basis. The bands have also traveled to destinations including Toronto, Mackinac Music Clinic, Chicago and New York City.
Outside of his school district, he has arranged music for several Michigan schools. He has also worked in drill design having produced shows for Michigan Schools since 1993. During his career, he has been recognized at the high school’s Hero’s Banquet five times. He takes great pride in working with students to help them be successful after their high school career. Mr. VanStrien has found a strength and a passion for helping students that may have “fallen through the cracks” if not for their participation in band.
Mr. VanStrien is very active in MSBOA having served as District 1VP of Solo Ensemble, Treasurer and four years as President. He has also held State MSBOA Positions as Secretary/Treasurer and Vice President of Band and Orchestra. Currently, he is a member of the State Executive Board and Cabinet serving as Vice President of Adjudication. He has been a middle school solo ensemble festival host for numerous years and has performed the duties of site chair at the State Solo Ensemble in Manistee and Cadillac for six years. Mr. VanStrien also adjudicates Solo Ensemble and Band and Orchestra Festivals throughout the state. Mr. VanStrien was selected as the MSBOA District 1 Teacher of the Year in 2013-2014 and 2015-2016. Mr. VanStrien was also nominated and selected to the prestigious American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA) in 2011.
In his free time, he enjoys working with and learning about new technology. He enjoys working in his home studio where he works on music composition, website design, photography, audio/video production and many other projects.
At home, Mr. VanStrien enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He has two children, James (16) and Alanna (14) and has been married to his wife Amanda for 17 years. During the summer months, they enjoy camping and try to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. He enjoys a good game of golf regardless of his score and always takes the time to fit in a few baseball games during the summer.