As a trumpet player for many years, Brandon Townshp resident Maryann Powell has played before big crowds before.
But on Sept. 25, when Powell was honored at a Detroit Tigers game as one of Comerica Bank’s top volunteers, the 30,000 fans jammed into the stadium for the afternoon game against the Minnesota Twins was far more than the small venues she has played for in the past.
‘You really don’t think about all those people looking back at you,? said Powell. ‘It really did not register until I heard my name mentioned. Actually, I’d love to play ball on that field’it was beautiful.?
Powell who volunteers her skills as a trumpet player for a variety of causes, was presented Tiger infielder Ramon Santiago’s game jersey and honored as part of the bank’s National Day of Service recognition. She works in Comerica Bank’s commercial division, located in Auburn Hills.
‘I’ve been fortunate to preform in large groups or where people can’t get out of their home or go to elementary schools for children, music in the park, or patriotic music on the Fourth of July,? she said. ‘They don’t let me march in a parade, rather they put me on a float. Still, whether for a music ministry, liturgical purposes, or just to make someone’s day better ‘playing for others is rewarding the moment they say, ‘Oh my goodness, you made me feel so much better,?? she said.
A Troy native, Powell learned her music foundation at Warren High School and studied at Eastern Michigan University. She has performed locally at Lake Orion High School, Christ the Reedeemer Church in Lake Orion, and a variety of arts and culture venues, and with the Waterford New Horizons band’volunteering about 400 hours per year.
‘To top off the great day, my brother-in-law caught a home run ball hit by Miguel Cabrera,? she said. ‘He hit that ball 40 rows up in the left field stands’it was an awesome day.?
Maryann has lived in Brandon Township with her husband Mark for about 14 years.