Our Growing GRS Family
It has been an exciting time for the Grand Rapids Symphony, in more ways than one! Much like our city itself, the GRS family has been booming, and in the last year and a half, members of the Grand Rapids Symphony have
welcomed 5 little bundles of joy. In each case, both parents of all 5 babies perform with the GRS,
whether as members of the orchestra or as extra musicians.
Most recently Erich (Horn, Personnel Manager) and Sarah (Librarian, Oboe) welcomed their daughter
Violet in December, joining her big sister Amelia.
Amelia, Erich, and Violet grabbing a bite.
Concertmaster Jamie Crawford and his wife Megan (Violin) gave birth to their 5th child Seiji last summer.
Seiji with big brothers Kenji and Orion, both of whom study cello.
Both our principal and assistant principal bassists became first time fathers in 2015! Chris (Bass) and Melissa (Violin) Hamlen welcomed their daughter Claire in April 2016, followed a few months later by Michael (Bass) and
Stephanie (Clarinet) Hovnanian’s son, Armen.
Armen attending his first GRS Family Concert.
Claire at one of this year's Lollipops Concerts.
Will (Cello) and Joo (Violin) Preece’s daughter Mina is the veteran of the bunch. She was born back in 2014!
Mina doing some score study.