Introducing our very own Greg van der Struik who is part of our South Head Anglican Parish community!

My earliest memory … are of being at home, playing with my toys and hearing my mother singing – she had a great love of music.

I grew up in … Avalon on the Northern Beaches. With parents from the Netherlands we had both English and Dutch at home. 

As a child I dreamed of… ​ I was a very keen soccer player and dreamed of working in auto engineering (my Dad was a mechanic by trade and could fix anything!). However when a trombone was put in my hands at school that all changed. At the age of 10 I knew I wanted a career as an orchestral musician.

My favourite vacation spot is … I love the national parks, particularly the Ku-ring-gai Chase national park. Many great days spent there. It’s always great to look out from West Head and look back on Palm Beach & Avalon.

I came to faith … In my case I have always believed. I was able to learn about the Lord from the earliest age in school which is why I believe that scripture in schools is so important. Thanks to wonderful neighbours (Carl & Gwen Hammond – Carl was a retired minister)) I was encouraged to develop my faith and subsequently baptised and confirmed at St Mark’s, Avalon.

An item on my bucket list is … to write a substantial orchestral work.

My first musical experience was … Apart from the school band concerts my first major concert was as a 12 year old with the Warringah Symphony Orchestra. In my case I tend to mostly play in concerts rather than go to them.

The best decision I ever made was … to marry Kristie.

I first came to SHAP … ​with Kristie when she played for some services at St Michael’s in 2015. She was appointed in 2016 and Sunday morning’s at St Michael’s are a special feature of the week.  

Currently I am reading/listening/watching… I listen to a wide range of music, often in preparation for my work. At the moment I am reading Shadows of the Cross by Michael Raiter along with some books on the Netherlands given to me by Stephen Murray. In terms of films I like to watch videos of cars from different periods with Oscar who is developing a great interest in all things automotive. 

In my spare time I like to … ​spend time with Kristie and Oscar – just chatting or having a meal out together. For myself I look forward to having the chance to write some music.

The best advice I ever received was … My trombone teacher advised me when working to keep my ears open, mouth closed and let the trombone do the talking.