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The American church musician (organist and choral conductor), pianist and music pedagogue, Darlene Kuperus, obtained her Bachelor of Music degree from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan; her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Church Music from the University of Michigan where she studied with Dr. James Kibbie (organ) and Dr. Michele Johns (Sacred Music).
Darlene Kuperus enjoys a music career filled with variety. She has worked in both academic and church music environments. Working in these settings has given her experiences as lecturer, teacher, full- time church music director, organist, pianist, conductor, chamber musician, and concert manager.
Darlene Kuperus was appointed as a Visiting Faculty member in the University of Michigan Organ Department during 2020-2021 academic year. Additionally, she was guest faculty in the fall of 2016 during the sabbatical of Dr. James Kibbie, Department Chair. She is a frequent presenter at the Annual Conference on Organ Music at the U of M. Her most recent presentations include: "Leading in Times of Vast Change: Courage to Lead Congregations Through Times of Tumult" (with co-presenter Sarah Heschles ; "Leading Ladies....Lasting Legacies: Emma Lou Diemer, Marilyn Mason and Alice Parker"; and "Current Practices in Christian Churches: Observations of Clergy and Church Musicians" which was based on a survey of professionals from around the country.
As an ecumenical church musician, Darlene Kuperus has spent over 30 years leading music at Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. She seved as Minister of Music at First Presbyterian Church of Northville, Michigan (1997-Dec 2013). Currently, she is Director of Music Ministries & Organist at Trinity Lutheran Church, East Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has been active as a choral conductor of community choruses in the Northville area. She has served for several years on the board of the American Guild of Organists/Ann Arbor Chapter. |
