Acrisure Amphitheater to feature opening theme performed by GVSU Orchestra

Students create local impact through experiential learning

The orchestra visited a recording studio where they worked with composer Hugo Bombardier to bring the piece to life. Schut said that with the use of click track, a tool that uses audio cues to synchronize recordings, his conducting role was different. He said the student performers collaborated well with feedback from the composer and orchestrator.

"Students really rose to the occasion," Schut said. "It's an experience that we don't often have access to in the university setting, but it is definitely a part of our industry and a part of performing arts."

Aveline Schienke and Andrew Kales, co-concert masters and violinists, said the experience was one they would take with them into their careers.

Schienke, who graduates at the end of the winter 2026 semester with a degree in music performance, said her time with the orchestra set the standard and helped guide her into a prospective career as a performer.

"This specific project is a once-in-a-lifetime type of thing, so it was really cool to have a hand in that," Schienke said. "I will probably have things like that coming up in the future as well."

Kales, who is graduating with a degree in music education, initially did not want to pursue music while at Grand Valley because he was worried he would lose his passion for music. But he slowly invested himself into the program, joining the orchestra and ultimately integrating music into his major.

Kales said he took a lot away from the experience of recording the theme for the amphitheater, including those he would apply to the classroom. He said the experience taught him to cherish the moment, and he hopes to apply that to help avoid things like burnout in his career.

"It's really important to make as many moments as special as you can and really appreciate the really cool stuff you do. It keeps you going," Kales said.

He said he is excited to tell his future students that they hear him playing when they attend performances at the amphitheater.

Since recording in the studio, the orchestra has performed the piece in concert to commemorate the work of the school year thus far. Schut also received a preview, listening to a draft of the theme.

"Hearing it all together and really masterfully mixed and balanced, I think students are going to be really excited and really proud of what we did," Schut said.

"Grand Valley is a leader in our community…we invest in students and their potential. Experience is the teacher."

On Friday, the Acrisure Amphitheater released the signature song to the public. You can listen to the orchestra's performance below.