Valerie Soetermans

Voice

Valerie Brandt-Soetermans graduated from Millikin University with a BFA degree in Musical Theatre and Dance minor. In New York City, Valerie performed a cabaret act for three years and studied voice with Hal Schafer, whose other students included Barbra Streisand and Liza Minelli. Valerie then accepted a position as a back-up singer and dancer for Louise Mandrell and toured the  US with Louise for the next six years.  

Among other accomplishments, Valerie performed in music videos and concerts with superstars such as Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, Billy Ray Cyrus, Faith Hill and Vince Gill to name a few. In addition to videos and concerts, other production shows she sang and danced for include The  Charlton Heston Celebrity Shoot, USS Norway Country Cruise, AT & T International Convention, Inaugural Balls, and others. Her voice and acting students have also done very well. Several voice and acting students have been  chosen for national tours, sing the National Anthem at professional sporting events, as well as win  contests (was in top 20 on American Idol) numerous awards, and scholarships. Valerie was also  recently inducted into the RPS 205 Fine Arts Hall of Fame for 2021.  

Valerie is also a certified Autism Movement therapist and has taught children with special needs.  She started the first Special Needs dance class in Rockford many years ago. Valerie accepted a position as one of three performers to sing and dance for the Radisson Diamond Cruise Line so that she could travel again. The cruise turned out to be the  “Love Boat” for her because she married the drummer, Jay Soetermans. They now have a  wonderful son named Joseph and a lovely daughter, Audrey. Valerie decided to reside back in her  “hometown” to raise her family and home school her children, as well as teach dance, private  voice, and acting.  

Valerie says her goal is: “to express that being ‘you’ is the most wonderful and easy thing to  be. What a privilege and blessing it is to be in the arts...in any form. Each one of us is different and possesses a beautiful talent that is unique to each individual. I strive to nourish and help each  student’s talent blossom. I have always said that the arts are such a lovely way for us to express ourselves in who we really are.”