Lake Orion High School senior John Upton was in pretty exclusive company, when he performed at Western Michigan University’s Miller Auditorium two weeks ago.
The oboist was one of four high school musicians from across the state to be selected as a featured soloist.
‘It’s quite an honor, considering there are only four from the entire state,? said LOHS Band Director Mike Steele, adding that Upton was the first oboist he’s seen perform at the event.
Upton was a member of the Michigan Youth Arts Festival Honors Orchestra, while Daniel Turchyn (grade 12, euphonium) and Vincent Ryan (grade 11, percussion) were part of the MYAF Honors Band.?
In addition, Kelsey Voydanoff (grade 10, violin) and Terry Sweeney (grade 11, percussion) were part of the Detroit Civic Orchestra Philharmonia, who performed as the accompanying orchestra for the four featured soloists.
‘John, Dan and Terry were all nominated as outstanding soloists by their respective judges at the State Solo and Ensemble Festival, held at Rochester Stoney Creek High School on March 15,? Steele said.
The trio were among some 300,000 students to perform at district solo & ensemble festivals across the state. After getting first division ratings at both district and state solo & ensemble, Upton and Turchyn went on to audition for the MYAF Concerto Competition.?
Upton said the event, held in April at Central Michigan University, saw 99 students compete.
From there, both Upton and Turchyn were among 12 finalists chosen. After the finals, Upton was picked as one of the four students to perform at the gala concert at WMU.
‘John’s performance was simply awesome,? Steele recalled of the May 9 concert.?’He received a unanimous standing ovation and was even called back out twice with the ovation.?
Upton performed the Concerto from ‘La Favorita? by Antonio Pasculli. He said it was an honor just to make it to that stage in the first place.
However, it’s likely just the start of great things for Upton, according to Steele.
‘I will be attending’Eastman School of Music in Rochester (NY) in the fall,? Upton noted.?’I will be majoring in oboe performance and will be studying with Mr. Richard Kilmer, a world-renowned Professor of Oboe.?