Creative Attitudes

In this episode, we will chat with Carrie VanDenburgh from Berrien Springs Middle and High School. Carrie is a California native who grew up in a musical family, studying piano and violin from an early age. Although she loved to sing and grew up singing in choirs, she never thought it was something she would pursue until her high school choir teacher gave her a solo. Following her graduation from high school, Carrie studied with Dr. Genevieve Kibble at Pacific Union College for two years before transferring to Andrews University to study under the tutelage of Mr. Stephen Zork. Carrie completed her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance in 2000 and obtained her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance in 2002, both from Andrews University.
Carrie has been the soloist for Bach’s Magnificat, John Rutter’s Gloria, Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Laudate Dominum, Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, Ramirez’s Misa Criolla, played a role in the musical Godspell and was Julie in the musical Carousel and Marian Paroo in The Music Man with the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra. Mrs. VanDenburgh was also a winner in the Young Artist Competition, 2000 and 2001.
She has taught at Bridgman High School as the choral director and at Lake Michigan College where she taught aural comprehension, music theory, and voice lessons.
Currently, Carrie VanDenburgh is presently serving her eleventh year as the choir teacher at Berrien Springs Middle and High School, where she teaches six ensembles. Her choirs continually receive Excellent ratings at the district and state levels. She is also the Choir Director at Harbert Community Church. She is also part of The Three Divas of Southwest Michigan a group that uses its background in opera, musical theatre, and jazz to entertain the Southwest Michigan area.
Carrie lives in St. Joseph with her amazing and supportive husband, David VanDenburgh, her two boys Jakob and Joshua, and their dog Marlow. She also loves and enjoys the beauty of Lake Michigan and she and her family enjoy sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on Lake Michigan.