Angela Renee’ ~violinist

I have been playing the violin since the age of 3 years old. I grew up surrounded by musicians and producers! My mother was a vocal and classical piano instructor, and my father is a musician of sorts and is a producer/ director. My grandparents were musical as well and my great grandfather was my parents inspiration to start me on the violin at the tender age of 3. Music is my passion. It influences and inspires me. I grew up studying the Suzuki method and completed all 10 books at a young age so I moved further to college level studies in early high school. Classical music is my background but I grew from a musician to an artist in high school. My father shared the same dream to create an original album and we spent many nights dreaming and rechording. I completed two albums and have had many opportunities to perform around the world. To have parents that believe in me is more valuable than words. I love to perform~it is me. I was involved in high school in symphonies and orchestras but as it was an excellent learning experience, my heart is in performance. After attending Christ for the Nations (CFNI)~bible college for 1 year after high school.It is here that I learned to truly worship with my violin. I received such direction for my future from the Lord there and learned that my violin can be used as a healing tool. To be give this gift is amazing. As a child I never knew that all the hours of studying and practicing would be used to minister to God's children. After CFNI accepted a performance scholarship to a University (in West Michigan) and was concertmaster of their orchestra. I also took on 35 violin students. This was still a backseat to performing. After getting married, I continued to perform and travel and rechord, but did not continue my studies. I have had the wonderful opportunity to play my violin around the world in Russia, India, Hawaii and around the U.S. to name a few. Last year I had the great opportunity to do a tour of Canada with a group called : Nuttin' But Strings. (check 'em out they are great!) We were the featured entertainment on a tour of 5 cities accross Canada. It was a blast. I often perform a full show for conventions and meetings as the guest entertainment. This has taken me on alot of exciting trips and met lots of wonderful "fans". I love to talk with people as I am selling my cd's.......what a gift it is to be able to bless others with a gift God has given me. I don't take any credit..........it is an honor. My two albums: The Journey and Flair have taken me to a different level of playing. I still love to nail a challenging Vivaldi piece in my music room at home, but to develope and master all different styles of music is great.(with my Dad and our writer: Brian Brill's help) I have grown from a Classical "reads music only" player to one that can feel the music and improvise and let it take me to a place of worship where the Lord is really helping me play that next note. I have been performing on the worship team at Resurrection Life Church in Grandville for 13 years now and at Res Life Worship Center in Rockford as well. It is there that I rediscovered my passion for singing. I grew up singing often in childrens choirs and solos, but it was always a 2nd to my violin. I am singing and playing my violin in worship now and I am still trying to find that ballance. Sometimes I feel like my dreams are on "pause"! But I know that the Lord has annointed me and my journey is not over! I await what adventures He has in store!! I am truly just so happy to be used wherever I am needed. To be given the gift to help others worship is incredible to me.My involvement in giving my talents in church has taken me on the biggest growth of all. While I continue to perform and travel, I am first and foremost a mother now, so my music takes somewhat of a backseat~but with no regret. I am full of dreams and passions and I have my whole life to reach them all! I have been extremely fortunate that my family supports and helps me reach these dreams.