After thousands of rehearsals and concerts, long-time GRSMA flute players Ruth Bylsma and Chris Kantner have earned a rest. GRSMA pays tribute to them by asking two of their colleagues to offer fond memories of Ruth and Chris.  

 

RUTH BYLSMA

 

What can I say about Ruth Bylsma? Plenty! 

 

Did you know that she was the GRS Personnel Manager for many years, or that she grew up in Grand Rapids? Did you know that she almost played the saxophone instead of the flute, or that she competed in the Miss Michigan pageant? Did you know that she is married to her high school sweetheart Gord, or that she can hold her own on a basketball court?

 

For me, Ruth has always been that wise older sibling. She always looked out for me and was very supportive whenever I needed it. 

 

Ruth and I performed together in the WünderWind Quintet, a GRS educational ensemble, for over twenty years. Thousands of elementary school children have heard Ruth demonstrate the flute, explain how to make a sound on the instrument, and say that she was charmed by the sound of the flute when she was their age. I had a front row seat to Ruth’s presentations and could see the look on those kid’s faces when she played “Beautiful Dreamer” for them. They were in awe of Ruth and her love for the flute.

 

After our wind quintet performances, it wasn’t just the children who gathered around Ruth to express their excitement for the flute. Usually a teacher knew Ruth from school, church, or private lessons. She is quite the local celebrity.

 

Ruth was the glue that held our quintet together, both on and off stage. Our show involved costumes, books, orange cones, a toolbox, and props. Who do you think housed that crate with all of those things, showed up early to unpack, and ensured everything was in place for the first show of the day? Responsible Ruth, that’s who!

 

Ruth portrayed the Queen and wore a crown for our quintet's musical storytime performances. But, in all actuality, she was quite the worker bee. Thanks, Ruth, for always bringing your "A game" to the GRS!

 

Paul Austin, GRSMA hornist

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CHRIS KANTNER

 

As the long-time principal flute of the Grand Rapids Symphony and flute professor at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), Chris Kantner has graced us all with a talent and presence that will be deeply missed. His solos, full of shimmering clarity and deep expressiveness, have continually filled Devos Performance Hall with remarkable beauty.

Since my first days at the GRS, Chris’s innate musicality has been a constant source of inspiration. I have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of playing alongside him almost daily. From our time together at GVSU to our shared performances at GRS, I’ve been fortunate to experience countless musical moments with him. We've shared an office at GVSU, performed in their faculty quintet, traveled to perform in the Czech Republic, performed substantial duets like Villa-Lobos for donor events, and, of course, created unforgettable memories on the concert stage for the GRS.

 

Beyond the music, Chris is one of the kindest and most supportive friends and colleagues one could hope for. I will never forget our trip to the Czech Republic! We had such a great time trying foods like garlic soup, practicing pronouncing the word "Wednesday" in Czech, and convincing one of our colleagues to do a shot of plum liquor with the group. After the tour, Chris was even kind enough to take my bassoon back to the states so I could backpack around Europe!

 

Chris- thank you for the personal inspiration, for the knowledge you've shared, and for your friendship.

Victoria Olson, GRSMA bassoonist and GVSU Instructor of Bassoon