Director of Music
William Bokhout
"I noticed something different at Plymouth. I had a sense of a church that was actually a "doing" church, not afraid to be active in the everyday issues in our community and embracing all as being open and affirming!"
William (Bill) Bokhout was born and raised in Grand Rapids and is a graduate of Calvin College where he played bassoon in the band and orchestra and also studied voice and sang in the Capella Choir.
Bill has extensive church music experience and has been involved for many years in planning worship services, scheduling musicians, ensembles, praise teams, and technical staff. Operatic baritone, he has been the resident Baritone with Opera Grand Rapids for 26 seasons, performing as many as 35 different roles.
In 2003, Bill founded The 2nd Act Opera Company, a professional touring group dedicated to promoting Opera as an art form to young people, performing in many of the schools in the area as well as touring with his wife, Hollis, presenting Children’s Opera Workshops in elementary schools across the country.
Bill's first exposure to Plymouth was when he was asked to perform the part of Melchior in "Amahl and the Night Visitors." That was 8 years ago. Bill says, "Through a route only God could have planned I am now at Plymouth again. I feel supported and encouraged by all the friends who have been placed in my life from Plymouth and it does feel like a welcome home."
Bill has three daughters: Elizabeth and Michael Shapiro, parents of his most adorable granddaughter, Evelyn Joy (A second granddaughter is due the end of August); Erin, a wonderful children’s photographer, and Janna and Coby Onan.
When Bill is not making music, he is experiencing nature on the golf course.