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Simon Boenaidi

Academics / Departments & Programs / Music / Student Experience / Meet Our Majors

Have you received any awards?

Yes, the "Vander Haagen Family Scholarship for Church Musicians" and an "International Student Grant."

Describe your experience at Calvin in three words.

God's Faithfulness Shapes

What led you to Calvin University and the study of music?

My dream in coming to America has always been motivated by the dream of becoming a rock star who tours with professional musicians and travels the world. However, three years before I came to the United States, God lead me on a journey of faith. I questioned who Jesus Christ is and what it means to believe in and follow Him. After I affirmed my faith, I felt God called me to seek a deeper understanding of music. A pastor, also a Calvin alum, suggested that I attend Calvin. Calvin has been a place where I find opportunities and challenges to train and equip me to be thoughtful about whatever I do in life. Thus, I decided I want to learn how to use my talent in music for God's work, especially music in worship. The liberal arts makes it even better for me to learn how music in worship is not just about singing and congregating, but also dedicating your life as a living sacrifice with the help of other disciplines like philosophy, psychology, sociology, and others.

What do you enjoy most about being a music major?

As an international student, it is really interesting to see a lot of representation of American culture, especially in worship, in the Music Department. My freshman year, I played guitar for the Gospel Choir; my sophomore year, I sang with the Campus Choir; my Junior year, I served as Worship Apprentice for the chapel. There are so many opportunities to explore! Plus I heard top notch musicians in student ensembles as well as musicians from around the country in Calvin's awesome auditorium.

When do you plan to graduate and with what degree?

I plan to graduate in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a minor in Ministry Leadership.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

If it is God's will, I am hoping to work at a church while attending seminary. I hope to earn a Master of Divinity degree and become a worship pastor. Furthermore, I also hope to get a PhD so that I can go back to Indonesia and teach new pastors. At this point, I have a passion to learn how worship can be directed towards mission and forms a mission-centered church.

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