a band formed from a school

Rich Burkholder's family started Avalon School of the Arts in 2004. Since then Avalon has provided quality Arts education to the West Michigan community in Dance, Theatre, and Music. Avalon currently has over 800 students enrolled with 34 instructors & 2 office managers.

Avalon owner, band leader & manager Rich Burkholder is a lifelong professional performing musician. He has performed thousands of shows and managed many different bands. Rich thought with so many amazing musicians on the Avalon staff, it would be a fun idea to start a band with them. He got the teachers together and they played some songs in Avalon's music ensemble room one Saturday afternoon. That was the beginning of Avalon The Band.

THE mission

Avalon The Band's mission is to have fun providing music and customer service at the highest level. Musicianship, showmanship, and sound quality are top priorities for the band. Band leader and manager Rich Burkholder handles all of the communication with clients, MC duties at performances, and the business of Avalon The Band.  v

avalon THE BAND

Rich

Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitar
Band Leader & Manager
Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA
​Guitar, Ukulele, & Piano Instructor

Jon

Keyboard, Vocal
Hope College, Holland, MI
Piano Instructor

lee

​Guitar, Vocal
Hope College, Holland, MI
MA, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
DMA, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, & Bass Instructor

brad

Drums
Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, IN
MM, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
Drums & Percussion Instructor

chris

Bass, Vocal
Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, MI
Bass & Guitar Instructor
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Avalon the band