West Ottawa’s Chris Meyer honored for inspiring student musicians

Long before he stood in front of an orchestra classroom at West Ottawa High School, Chris Meyer sat among student musicians himself, a young cellist eager for the challenge and camaraderie of the Holland Area Youth Orchestra, or HAYO.

That early experience helped guide Meyer toward a lifetime in music and now influences how he approaches teaching students in West Ottawa Public Schools.

Decades later, Meyer is helping a new generation of students discover the same sense of connection and growth through music. In recognition of his work with young musicians, the Holland Symphony Orchestra selected Meyer as the first educator featured in its new teacher appreciation spotlight.

Meyer’s ties to the organization date back to his own high school years.

“I grew up in the area, so I’ve been connected really my whole life,” Meyer says. “I played in the Holland Area Youth Orchestra in high school and later played with the Holland Symphony in college.”

The youth orchestra gave Meyer an opportunity to perform with other dedicated student musicians and take on more challenging music outside the classroom.

“HAYO was very transformative for me in high school,” Meyer says. “It gave me an opportunity to challenge myself and play harder music with students who really were like-minded as me, and it continues to this day. It gives kids another opportunity to excel outside of their orchestra program and then bring those skills back to their program and make their school programs better.”

Impact on students

Meyer now works to create those same opportunities for his students.

As orchestra director at West Ottawa Public Schools, he teaches students from middle school through high school, often working with them for as many as seven years as they grow both musically and personally.

“I get to make music with kids every day. That’s really what it boils down to,” Meyer says. “I get to work with some really terrific human beings and musicians and get to see them grow.”

Students say Meyer’s classroom creates a supportive environment where they feel comfortable learning at their own pace.

“I’ve known him for quite a while now, since sixth grade,” says Brady Slawson, a 10th-grade violist. “The reason I believe he’s just a great teacher overall is the fact that he’s really patient with people. He never gets mad at people for not knowing their parts right away. He gives them time, he lets them learn their parts. I think that’s the reason why so many people look up to him.”

Jeonghan “Ryan” Park, an 11th-grade violinist, says Meyer creates a classroom atmosphere where students can relax and be themselves.

“I think Mr. Meyer is a great teacher for me because he sometimes doesn’t really feel like a teacher,” Park says. “He just kind of feels like a cool uncle to have around. When I go to his class, I get to give a sigh of relief and just be myself.”

Ruth Crouch, HSO board chair, says her father was a music educator, “and decades later I still hear from former students how much his classes meant to them.  I am delighted that HSO can give this recognition to Chris as an outstanding teacher who builds and nurtures a love of music in his students.  He will have a lifelong impact on those young musicians.”    

Formative experience

Many of Meyer’s students participate in HAYO and other Holland Symphony Orchestra youth programs, strengthening connections between local schools and the broader music community. Professional musicians Amanda Dykhouse and Lauren Garza also visit his classroom regularly to lead sectional rehearsals and mentor students.

Members of the symphony’s education committee say Meyer was selected because of his long history of supporting youth music programs and encouraging students to stay involved in music.

Michael Naess, CEO of the orchestra, says Meyer exemplifies the kind of teacher who can change lives.

“Without inspiring, passionate teachers like Chris, there is very little hope for the future,” Naess says. “If one thinks back about achievements, victories, and progress made, most of it is due to a teacher’s or parent’s influence, guidance, and selfless commitment to the gift of knowledge and experience. I have yet to meet a supreme musician who does not pay tribute to their mentors and teachers. 

Naess went on to quote Albert Einstein: “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”

Although only a small percentage of students pursue music professionally, Meyer says the experience still plays an important role in students’ lives by helping them build relationships, confidence and transferable skills.

“Music in the schools is their one real opportunity to do that for sure in their life,” he says. “It’s a chance for kids to develop community as they’re growing up, learn skills that will help them in whatever they choose to do, and just have fun making music.”

The recognition reflects a connection that spans decades, from Meyer’s own days as a student musician to the influence he now has on young performers in the same community.

“Everybody asks teachers what their ‘why’ is,” Meyer says. “I just get to make music with kids every day.”

Photos and video by Shandra Martinez