This week, take note of Eliza Beutler, TCAPS alumnus, Class of 2019.

“Music has always been so important to me. It is a means of expression, community, healing, and social change,” writes Eliza.

This past fall, Eliza had the lead role in MSU’s opera. She’s currently in her fourth year at MSU, studying music education and vocal performance. In addition to her involvement with the MSU opera theater, Eliza is also president of the MSU chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and the MSU representative on the MSVMA student activities board. She also sings with the MSU chorale and teaches private lessons to students ages 7-17 at Roth Academy in Grand Ledge.

Eliza got her start singing in her church choir and at both East Middle School and Central High School, with roles in several of Central’s musical productions. Eliza was the recipient of a Music Boosters scholarship which she used for private voice lessons.

This week, take note of Jack Kernan, TCAPS alumnus, Class of 2021.

Jack writes, “Music has always been my main creative outlet and has always been a core part of who I am. Through music I've been able to meet so many wonderful people and I've been able to learn and grow as a human being.”

Jack attended East Middle School and Central High School and participated in the Choir program. During that time, Jack was a recipient of a Music Boosters Scholarship which he used for private vocal lessons.

Jack is currently a student at the University of Michigan, studying robotics. He is also a member of the Michigan Men's Glee Club as well as the 9-man subset acapella group of the Glee Club known as The Friars.

We invite you to see Jack and The Friars perform their show, Winterpalooza, live on Saturday, January 14, at 8pm at the City Opera House in what is sure to be a wonderfully entertaining evening of music!

“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” - Confucius

This week, take note of Sophie Kubesh, TCAPS alumnus.

Sophie participated in Orchestra at both West Middle School and West Senior High School. During that time, Sophie was a recipient of a Music Boosters Scholarship which she used to attend Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.

Sophie writes, “Music has shaped me into the person I am today and helped me make many personal connections. Although I haven't been in orchestra since high school, my interest in music has never left me.” 

Sophie took multiple music classes as part of her undergraduate studies. She is also a big collector of vinyl records and is engaged to her middle school sweetheart who she met through a mutual involvement in school music.

Sophie is in her second year of pharmacy school at Ferris State University and aspires to become an oncology pharmacist working either in an in-patient or out-patient setting.

Traverse City Music Boosters supports all K-12 music education in TCAPS.

“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” - Confucius

This week, take note of Madison Hertel, TCAPS alumnus, Class of 2018.

Madison participated in choir at both West Middle School and West Senior High School, with the lead role in several of West’s musical productions. A recent graduate of Ithaca College, with a BFA in Music Theatre, she is a professional singer, dancer and actor based in New York City. Madison performs in Opera and Theatre around the United States and also in Europe. Her most recent work includes Carmen, The Sound of Music and The Jungle Book at the Glimmerglass Festival. Upcoming performances will include Carmen at the Portland Opera and West Side Story in Cagliari, Italy.

Madison was the recipient of a Music Boosters scholarship which she used for voice lessons and college preparatory programs.

“Music is a huge part of my life and what I’ve chosen to make my career out of! To me, music is about personal expression and community.”

Traverse City Music Boosters supports all K-12 music education in TCAPS.