Joel Vanderzee is a graduate of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he obtained a B.A. in Music Theory and Composition, and Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, where he completed a Master’s degree in Organ Performance. Most recently, Joel has been Director of Music Ministries at Second Congregational United Church of Christ in Grand Rapids. He has also served as Organ Scholar at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church as well as Head Organist at Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church, both in Grand Rapids. Since he came to Canada this summer, Joel has been Director of Music and Arts Ministry at St. Andrew’s United Church, Chatham. In addition to his work at the church, Joel is an organ technician with Pole and Kingham Pipe Organs.

Joel studied organ with John Hamersma, Howard Slenk, Karl Schrock and Huw Lewis. This summer, Joel was awarded the AAGO Prize by the American Guild of Organists for achieving the highest score in the nation on the Guild’s Associateship examination. He was also a founding member and director of the Grand Rapids-based vocal octet, The Choral Scholars. His choral compositions are published by GIA and Adoro.