Nov. 5, 2026
GRCC’s premier annual music event, Musical Moods, is set to celebrate its 79th iteration on Friday, Nov. 20, 2026 at the DeVos Center for Arts and Worship. Featuring 222 GRCC student musicians, the concert brings together vocal and instrumental performances for a seamless mosaic of contemporary and classical pieces.
“I look forward to Musical Moods every year because it gives our entire department the chance to collaborate,” said Dr. Shannon Shaker, GRCC’s Music program director. “Since students, family and friends don't always get to attend every performance throughout the year, this event offers a wonderful showcase of the extraordinary talent across our department. Everyone leaves with a deeper sense of pride and community, especially when we join together for the final piece, which beautifully represents our shared humanity through the creation of art.”
The concert will culminate in a grand finale of all the musicians coming together to perform "With You, There is Music," a piece composed by GRCC Piano department head Debora DeWitt with lyrics by Marianne Peel.
Featured Ensembles
Under the leadership of program director Dr. Shannon Shaker and GRCC’s dedicated faculty, the evening features an extensive array of student ensembles representing all major areas of study.
Vocal Ensembles
- College Choir
- Concert Choir
- Chamber Choir
- Shades of Blue
Instrumental Ensembles
- Campus Band
- College Orchestra
- Wind Ensemble
- Trombone Choir
- Jazz Ensemble
- Guitar Ensemble
- Kent Philharmonic Orchestra
Distinguished conductors and ensemble directors leading the performers include Dr. Libor Ondras (College Orchestra and Kent Philharmonic Orchestra), Andrew Martin (Choral Activities), Hannah Macgillivray (Jazz Ensemble), Jed Scott (Shades of Blue), Kathryn Bredwell (Campus Band), Robert Ward (Trombone Choir), and Jonathan Marshall (Guitar Studies).
Student Soloists Take Center Stage
In addition to large group performances, "Musical Moods 79" spotlights student soloists and small chamber groups who earned their place on the program through a competitive audition process:
- Wren Bryan (flute) and Aspen Clark (clarinet) performing a woodwind duet (“Allegro con Spirito”)
- Tyler Watkins presenting a solo piano selection (Clara Schumann’s “Scherzo No. 2 in C Minor”)
- Aidan Tobar presenting an original composition for voice and guitar (“Blue Bossa”)
- Gabriella Bennetts (violin solo) accompanied by Jonathan Marshall on guitar (“Cantabile”)
- Elijah Pletcher performing a horn in F solo (“Intrada”)
- Sarah Kremer (soprano solo) performing Carlisle Floyd’s "The Trees on the Mountains"
- Hunter Torrey performing an alto saxophone solo (Darius Milhaud’s “Scaramouche”)
- Kiyana Vasquez performing a trumpet solo (René Maniet’s “Premier Solo de Concours”)
Event Information and Tickets
When: Friday, Nov, 20, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: DeVos Center for Arts and Worship
Grand Rapids Christian High School
Tickets:
- General admission: $13 in advance / $15 at the door
- Seniors and veterans: $8 in advance / $10 at the door
- Students and children: Free admission
Tickets are available online through Ludus.
A Treasured Musical Tradition
The origin of "Musical Moods" dates back nearly eight decades. The tradition was established by Albert P. Smith, who founded the music department at what was then Grand Rapids Junior College. Inspired by similar showcase models from larger universities, Smith envisioned a fast-paced concert format that would highlight every area of the college's musical talent on one stage.
Smith's lasting impact at the college was formally honored in 2016, when GRCC’s music facility was officially renamed the Albert P. Smith Music Center. Today, the annual showcase stands as a testament to that legacy, illustrating how the program has expanded into a comprehensive academic pathway for aspiring musicians, vocalists, composers and music technologists.