I want to introduce you to Sue VandenBerge (Mrs VandenBerge to the kids), band office super woman. I am sure you have gotten emails from her, so let's put a face to her name!
What is your job title?
Band Office Administrator
What are some of your job duties in regards to Jenison Marching Band?
I manage the band student accounts and all the marching band payments, forms and paperwork. I also assist the directors with many different tasks such as tracking attendance, making reservations, copying/printing, selling band supplies, and helping the directors and kids with whatever they need. I also work and communicate with all the different booster committees. I help organize and prepare for our competitions, and travel with the students and chaperones as a liaison between them and the directors to help make sure that everything stays running as smoothly as possible.
How long have you worked for JPS?
I've been working part-time in the band office for four years, and have done marching band administration for two years.
How did you become involved with Jenison Bands?
In 2012 our son Andre joined the Jenison 8th Grade Band, then joined the JMB in 2013 on clarinet for his freshmen year. He was a drum major for the 2014-2016 seasons. Our son Jared joined the 8th Grade Band in 2014, and played clarinet in the JMB for 2015-2018. I volunteered to help with practice records at the Junior High, which led to us being asked to serve on the Invitational Committee from 2013 to 2016. Both of our sons were heavily involved with all things band related for all of their years at Jenison High School, and we enjoyed being involved with the program in many different areas throughout that time.
Tell us about your family?
I grew up in Jenison and have been married to Brad for 25 years. Brad is a Shipping & Receiving Manager at Rothbury Farms and also does some architectural drafting for Baroque Residential Designers. We have two sons, Andre and Jared. Andre is studying Music at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Jared is planning to move to Washington in September to attend Renton Technical College to study Band Instrument Repair. We also have an 11 year old lab mix named Sophie and two kitties, Rex and Amidala.
What are your hobbies?
I spend as much time as possible at my family's cottage up in Free Soil, Michigan during the summer. When I'm there, I spend most of my time gardening, but also enjoy spending time out on Gunn Lake boating or just relaxing out on the water. I have also recently started rock collecting at various Lake Michigan beaches.
What is your favorite food?
I love Middle Eastern food! My favorite food is probably meat pies or fresh pita bread with toum (garlic sauce) from Sheshco Mediterranean Grill. Shish kebabs, kafta, shawarma, and stuffed grape leaves are also some of my favorites (and I love all of them with garlic sauce). I also can't pass up baklava for dessert.
What is your favorite type of music?
I enjoy a wide variety of music, but I mostly listen to New Wave (especially Synth-pop), '80s indie rock and '70's and '80s hard rock and glam/hair metal bands. A newer group I really like is Twenty One Pilots. I also listen to lots of classical music.