Clarkston High School senior Kirsten Rogers? love of music is taking her places ? this summer, it’s taking her to Europe.
Selected to join this year’s Blue Lake International Exchange Program, she is set to tour Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
‘I’ve never been to Europe. I’ve never been on a plane,? said Rogers, 17, daughter of James and Ann Rogers of Independence Township.
Some things she is looking forward to the most:
‘Travel, see all the different ancient monuments ? I love ruins,? she said. ‘The people. The food ? I’m nervous about that because I’m a picky eater. The host families ? we’ll stay with a different host family every week. It’ll be fun.?
The trip is a senior gift from her parents, Ann said, but she also plans to seek sponsorships and hold fundraisers in the community and her church, Mt. Zion.
‘I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to get a broader view of life,? James said. ‘It’s well worth the expense.?
Kirsten started playing the oboe in the sixth grade.
‘My older brother (Nik) chose it for me,? she said. ‘It’s tradition.?
In turn, she chose the saxophone for her younger brother, J. Mikael, who then picked the clarinet for his younger brother, Markus.
Kirsten herself played alto saxophone in Clarkston High School’s marching band, serving as section leader last year, but oboe is her first love.
‘I consider the oboe my instrument ? sax I do for fun,? said Kirsten, who is set to attend Central Michigan University in the fall as a music major. ‘A trip to Europe ? that will be a nice little addition to my transcript.?
After college, who knows?
‘I don’t like thinking about the future,? she said. ‘Music will be there, I hope professionally, but if not, as a hobby. Music is something I’ll do everyday?
‘She has grown tremendously through her music,? James said. ‘I couldn’t be more proud of her.?
She is also an artist, drawing classic poses in graphite pencil.
‘I’ve been drawing forever,? she said. ‘People tell me I’m good at it.?
She will perform with Blue Lakes? International Northern Winds, a 70-member group directed by Penny Daab Cushway. Blue Lake summer arts school is located in Manistee National Forest north of Muskegon.