In 1995 in Holland, Michigan, a group of players were put together for a one-time Sunday service special music event. Who knew that this many years later this core group of church musicians would grow in to BBOP: the Big Band of Praise!
The BBOP of today continues because they are passionate about big band music and sharing that music and their stories to as many people possible. Most of the players are only part-time musicians and commit to each season of rehearsals and performances in addition to the full-time jobs and busy lives they lead. They are a tight-knit group of friends that look forward to each new season as they grow closer in their friendships and tighter in their music.
The BBOP season runs January through December with a large portion of their events held during the summer months of May through August. BBOP will usually offer a one to two hour concert of big band standards and gospel songs set to a swing beat. You will hear them at summer concert series, festivals, professional sporting events and many other venues. Where there’s an audience that’s ready to swing, they’d love to be there.
BAND MEMBERS
| Musical Director/Vocals |
| Jonathan DeCou |
| Vocals |
| Joy Nienhuis |
| Trumpets |
| Tim DenBesten |
| Tim Dyk |
| Ben Pohlman |
| Greg Valkema |
| Saxophones |
| Terri Carroll, Alto |
| Nate Hanson, Alto |
| Jack Roseberry, Tenor |
| Robyn Emde, Tenor |
| Ron Troxell, Bari |
| Trombones |
| Rod Fraser |
| Jeff Carroll |
| Dan Gray |
| Dan Ritsema |
| Rhythm |
| Tom Langejans, Drums |
| Ivan Brand, Bass |
| Amanda Jones, Piano |
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SOME PLACES WE HAVE PLAYED
- Worship On the Waterfront – Grand Haven, MI – Christian Summer Concert Series
- City of Hudsonville – Hudsonville, MI – Summer Community Concert Series
- Grace Bible College – Grand Rapids, MI – Alumni Dinner & Fund Raiser
- Love Inc. – Hamilton, MI – Volunteer Appreciation Event
- City of Holland – Holland, MI – 4th of July Fireworks Music Display
- Oak Crest Manor – Holland, MI – Resident & Family Summer Event
- White Lake Baptist Church – White Lake, MI – Evening outreach church service program
- Willow Creek Church – Chicago, IL – Singles Ministry Event
- Maranatha Conference Grounds – Muskegon,MI – Summer Evening Concert Series
- Calvary Schools – Holland, MI – School Alumni Fund Raiser
- Evergreen Commons – Holland, MI – Swing Dance and Fund Raiser
- Beechwood Reformed – Holland, MI – Patriotic Pops Concert
- Central Wesleyan Church – Holland, MI – 1940’s Christmas Musical Production
- State Street Baptist Church– Whiting, IN – Community Outreach Event
- Victor C. Newman Children’s Home – Chicago, IL
- Downtown Chicago, IL – Street Performance Event
- Unity Fest – Muskegon, MI – Christian Artist Concert Event