Lake Orion graduate Michelle Lewandowski is no stranger to the spotlight.
After spending many years performing for the Lake Orion High School Band, her talent led to her participation in the All-State High School Band, but also most recently, in the Michigan Youth Arts Festival.
According to Lewandowski, the festival is an annual showcase that recognizes, supports and celebrates the artistic excellence of young artists in Michigan. Musicians, artists, singers, dancers, theatre and film were amongst the talents on display.
Lewandowski, who has been playing clarinet for eight years, was nominated to participate in the festival.
‘You get nominated at State Solo & Ensemble,? she said, saying that during your performance, you are judged on proficiency, scales, sight reading and a solo, if you choose to perform one.
‘Your judge can nominate you based on how you play,? Lewandowski added. ‘My judge nominated me for the orchestra.?
High school students from all around the state participated in the Festival that was held at Western Michigan University from May 10-12.
Lewandowski said that the first day was spent auditioning for chairs and rehearsing, the second day was spent rehearsing and the third day was rehearsal and performance.
‘It was a lot of rehearsal,? she added.
Lewandowski said that the practicing was well worth it and the experience was amazing.
‘I’ve never been in a room with so many talented people,? she added, saying that her favorite thing about the experience was being on stage and performing with so much talent.
As Lewandowski moves on to Michigan State University in the fall, possibly to study interior design, she plans on taking her passion for music with her. She plans on trying out for a local orchestra and also auditioning for the Michigan State University Band.
‘I hope to be in the symphony, but really anything. I just want to play,? Lewandowski said.
No matter where she goes or where she plays, Lewandowski’s love for music will always be close by.
‘I love being surrounded by music and playing everyday,? she said, noting that she has met some of her best friends through music.
She believes that music has also helped her develop into who she is today.
‘Practice makes perfect and you have to work hard to achieve your goals, and I’ve learned that through music,? Lewandowski said, along with teaching her responsibility and independence.
Lewandowski, who not only loves playing but also teaches private clarinet lessons, is thankful for her years playing in the Lake Orion High School Band program.
‘I’m just happy to have been part of the Lake Orion Band Program and perform under the direction of Mr. Steele,? she added. ‘He’s a great guy.?