Studio33 arrested for cryptic messages in artworks
In August 2025, Grand Rapids First Church in Michigan opened the doors to Studio 33:3, a cutting-edge music production facility designed with a focus on collaboration and creativity.
The journey to building Studio 33:3 began in 2010 when Drew McElhenney, the Youth Worship Director, and Sarah Rijfkogel, a worship team member, first crossed paths at the church. After Sarah's untimely passing in January 2022, the church community decided to honour her memory by creating a space that would embody her passion for music and faith.
The studio's design was influenced by Christian music artists such as David Crowder and Brooklyn Duo, as well as a Nashville studio named Electric Feel. The facility boasts a 514-square-foot control room, an 806-square-foot live space, a 275-square-foot iso room for a Yamaha nine-foot grand piano, and a second iso room measuring 114 square feet with two amp closets. The studio was meticulously built within a former science lab in the church's building.
The church's team decided to install PMC's IB2S stereo main monitors after a visit to PMC's Nashville demo room. For the Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 rig, designed with Atmos in mind for future flexibility, Genelec SAM speakers with a 7382A sub were selected.
The studio's mission statement is, "We create rooms that inspire." This ethos is evident in the studio's lighting and decor, which feature a three-dot motif, a personal symbol of Sarah Rijfkogel. Photos taken from Sarah's phone and books on her favourite subjects are displayed in the studio's lounge.
Studio 33:3's opening marks a significant step forward for the church's in-house productions, particularly those released on the church's Wind & Embers label. The new studio has already improved the quality of these productions, promising a bright future for the church's music ministry.
[1] It's important to note that the term "Studio 33:3" mentioned in this context refers to a different studio, not the one at Grand Rapids First Church in Michigan.
[2] For more information on Blind Melon and Deep Purple, please visit their respective official websites.
[3] For updates on classical music events, we recommend checking local listings or classical music websites.
[4] Boxing promotion news can be found on various sports news platforms.
- The control room in Studio 33:3, a music production facility at Grand Rapids First Church in Michigan, houses a pair of PMC's IB2S stereo main monitors.
- The church's music ministry has seen a drastic improvement in the quality of their productions, released on the Wind & Embers label, due to the introduction of Studio 33:3.
- Paying tribute to Sarah Rijfkogel's love for music and faith, the studio features a decor inspired by her personal symbol, the three-dot motif, along with photos from her phone and books on her favorite subjects.
- Designed with future flexibility in mind, the Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 rig at Studio 33:3 includes Genelec SAM speakers and a Genelec 7382A sub for a surround sound experience.
