MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JOHN HOEKSTRA
John's journey began in Michigan, where he pursued his passion for computer science as well as music at Western Michigan University. Throughout his career, he honed his skills by working on large-scale systems with numerous clients while also making his mark as a talented trumpet player. With over 50 years of trumpet-playing experience and an unwavering interest in sound engineering, John's expertise caught the attention of the VSB, who were in search of skilled horn players. Thanks to bandmix.com, John joined the band. However, soon after John joined, he noticed that the band faced challenges with their sound setup, especially as they started incorporating vocalists into their performances.
Recognizing the need for improvement, John offered his services to upgrade our sound. We converted our studio from one for practicing as a band to a full sound studio. John generously provided his 32-channel Behringer mixer, powered speakers, monitors, microphones (both wired and wireless), extensive cabling, connectors, and other necessary equipment, enabling the band to record, amplify, and optimize our sound effectively. To have someone of John’s caliber willing to volunteer his time and expertise, but also much-needed equipment was a major positive change for the band.
John's contributions have been immeasurable, with his exceptional recording and mixing skills really helping to elevate the band's exposure. An example of this is "Route 66”, which has become a favorite of the band and, more importantly, our audiences. Our version of this song and several others, recorded and mixed by John, are accessible on various musical platforms, most notably YouTube. John pushes the VSB to improve, consistently striving for us to perform for increasingly larger crowds while ensuring an enhanced sound experience. Recently, he took the initiative to mic up every member of the band, from instrumentalists and vocalists to announcers and everyone else involved in the band's productions. We performed with flawless sound for our largest audience yet in July, 2023: 500+ people, outdoors in Huntley.
Moreover, John's dedication to perfection extends to ensuring everyone involved in the band's productions, from instruments to vocalists and announcers, benefits from his expertise. He not only leads, but enjoys teaching others about correct sound set-up and engineering, building an appreciation for the intricacies of everything that goes into creating a successful production. Despite living over an hour away from the studio, John's commitment to the band has never wavered; he’s never missed a practice or a gig, and is always the first to arrive.
John's contributions go beyond technical support; he is an integral part of the band's leadership team. He selflessly offers his services and equipment without accepting any payment. His genuine passion for music and unwavering dedication to the band's growth make him an invaluable asset. The band members are immensely grateful for John's continuous support and guidance. His presence and expertise have played an essential role in shaping the band's success, making him one of the very best.