On Sept. 26, the Howard Performing Arts Center was filled with the sound of Andrews University’s music ensembles during the Alumni Homecoming Concert. Among the conductors onstage was a new face to the Andrews community: Brenton Offenback, the interim conductor of the University Choirs.
Offenback recently stepped into the position after Stephen Zork retired after 35 years of service to Andrews University. Yet Offenback is no stranger to a demanding musical schedule. Alongside his responsibilities at Andrews, he is also a self-employed financial coach and serves as director of music and primary organist at St. Joseph’s First Congregational Church. Now, despite an already demanding workload, Offenback has taken on the responsibility of leading Andrews’ choirs through the 2026–27 academic year. His arrival marks a new chapter for the University Choirs following Zork’s lengthy tenure.
Offenback’s connection to Andrews University began long before he stepped into his current role. He studied at Andrews as an undergraduate, graduating in 2009 with degrees in music performance and education. He returned quickly afterward for his master’s degree, studying choral conducting and organ performance.
Although Offenback is now leading the University Choirs, he emphasized that his position is temporary. He is serving as the interim director for one year, stepping into a position during a period of transition for the program.
Offenback’s path to the position was not the result of a single moment or opportunity, as he attributed the new role to “a lot of work and having a lot of people help me get there,” along with people recognizing his abilities and telling others, “Hey, he’s really good at what he does.” Even with his previous experience at Andrews, returning to the university in a leadership position has required an adjustment. Offenback shared that he is still settling into the atmosphere and emphasized that becoming familiar with the university’s systems and learning new music are only parts of the process. Perhaps more importantly, he is getting to know the students he currently leads.
“It’s something that is, by far, not finished yet,” Offenback stated, emphasizing that his transition into the position remains an ongoing process. That process was put to the test during Alumni Homecoming Weekend. As the Alumni Homecoming Concert approached, Offenback found himself balancing preparation, planning and the uncertainty that comes with organizing a major performance.
“Boy, I was stressed. I was stressed,” he recalled.
Much of that stress came from anticipation. Offenback had spent considerable time making plans, preparing his portion of the event, and working toward executing everything successfully. There were numerous possibilities to consider, but the uncertainty began to fade once rehearsals started. Once the performance was underway, he could finally shift his attention away from the logistical questions and toward the music itself.
Offenback’s students praised him and his work so far. Jonathan Kasper (senior, architecture) explained, “We miss Dr. Zork, but he is doing a good job.” Violetta Matsuik (junior, music education) stated that Offenback is both kind and dedicated, saying, “Amongst the busyness with all the other choirs that he is managing now, he shows the Chorale and Singers how much he cares every rehearsal.”
Another student, Paulo Silas Ferreira Jr. (graduate, seminary) commended Offenback on his passion and his love for music. “In leading the choir, he brings together grace, professionalism, and spirituality, making music not only an artistic expression but also a form of ministry,” he shared. Based on this, it is safe to surmise that the University Choirs, at least for this year, are in good hands.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.