Andrew Plaisier is a West Michigan-based cellist who joined the Grand Rapids Symphony in 2018. He grew up in Hudsonville, MI and began playing cello in his school orchestra. He went on to complete bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Music from Calvin University and postgraduate studies under Anthony Elliott at the University of Michigan. He earned master’s degrees in both Cello Performance and Chamber Music, while involving himself in dozens of student chamber music ensembles and training in Suzuki Pedagogy. Since then, Andrew has performed with many regional orchestras in Michigan and in several summer chamber music festivals across the state. He has also enjoyed collaborations with many local bands and composers, and some of his favorite collaborations have been with local choirs and directors on works for cello and choir. As a teacher, he coaches sectionals and chamber groups at several area schools, has about 20 private students, and occasionally tries to educate his non-musician friends about classical music. When not playing cello, he can be found biking, water skiing, ice skating, and playing board games.