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Jean Schuitman has been part of the staff
at the Dunes since 1996. Previous to coming, she has served
as organist and choir director at churches in Muskegon,
Grand Rapids, Traverse City, and Lansing. She began her
music studies under her father both at the keyboard and
in his choirs. This soon led to accompanying choirs and
serving as substitute organist. As a teen, Jean took her
first church position as organist and choir accompanist.
After her older children were in school full time, she
returned to Grand Valley University to finish college
and pursue a degree in music. Her studies were in organ
and choral conducting.
Here at the Dunes, a few of her tasks include, directing
5 choirs, playing the organ for services, worship planning,
planning the music schedule, and coordinating the 5
other music staff members. Her greatest joy in this
position is helping members of all ages and talents
led others in our worship services. Privately, she also
enjoys the time spent teaching others to play the piano
and organ. Her students range in age from 7 to 80.
Jean is married to Jim and they are parents of 3 daughters
and grandparents of 5. Jim has been employed in the
banking industry most of their marriage. Together they
enjoy especially family, travel, and boating. Also,
their youngest daughter has led them to be involved
in horses over the past years and now they especially
enjoy watching her compete and show in the dressage
discipline with her horse.
"Serving God through music and the ability to
share it with others has been an unexpected blessing
and career path. You see I surely was not going to follow
in my father's footsteps and become a church musician.
God definitely had other plans."
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