Val Vander Mark

OFFICE: In the Barn Theater on the south end of campus. As you approach the Barn, the white door on the left will take you to her office.

OFFICE HOURS for Fall 2008:

PHONE NUMBER: (989) 328-1218

E-MAIL ADDRESS: valv@montcalm.edu

FAX NUMBER: (989) 328-2950 Attention: Val Vander Mark

MCC FACULTY MEMBER SINCE: She began as a part-time instructor at MCC in 1982 and became a full-time instructor in 1991.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

She taught elementary music in Greenville and Central Montcalm Public Schools.

EDUCATION:

REGULAR CLASS LOAD:

Link to Course Descriptions & Summaries

Choir
Humanities
Instrumental Ensemble
Music Appreciation
Music in the Elementary Classroom
Music Fundamentals
Voice Improvement

OTHER COURSES:

Guitar
Piano

PERSONAL:

Val Vander Mark has been active for many years in community theater including the Flat River Community Players and Bottom's Dream Theatre. She had leading roles as Maria in "Sound of Music," Nellie in "South Pacific," and twice as Golde in "Fiddler On the Roof."

She wrote the original music for "The Treasure Tree," a children's play adapted from a book of the same name.  She has several original compositions to her credit.

In addition to teaching credit courses at MCC, she orchestrates on-campus music and performing activities including the Madrigal Dinner and the Elementary Music Festival.

Her interests include researching period costumes and arts and crafts style of architecture.

She was the recipient of the Leslie K. Morford Faculty Recognition Award in 1997.

WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT VAL VANDER MARK:

"Val makes hard work and learning fun. I have a deep respect for her abilities as an instructor and as a performer."

"Val is one of the best instructors I have had. She is the most fair and non-offensive teacher I've had in years. This is the first class I wasn't afraid to ask a question in. Hang on to this lady."

"Val's material and presentation gave me a whole new view of music and how to listen and appreciate it. A great big thanks to Val for opening a new door for me."

"Val's greatest strength is the compassion with which she handles her students, especially with a class that entails such personal expression from the participants. She is positively critical, conveying needed instruction and criticism without taking away esteem."

Barn Theater