Wendy Stewart is a busy person. In addition to being the strings specialist for the Clarkston Community Schools music program, she is also the principal cello for the Oakland Symphony, a professional orchestra that is no stranger to the Clarkston area.
‘Clarkston has been very welcoming,? Stewart said. ‘I think the orchestra is very happy coming out here.?
The Oakland Symphony will make a stop in Clarkston on Oct. 29 for The Second Annual Medieval Feast Fundraiser at Liberty Golf and Banquet.
Stewart first joined the orchestra when she began teaching in the Clarkston district six years ago. When she first arrived in Clarkston, Stewart was looking to get back into the area’s orchestra and found the Oakland group a good fit.
‘I really like the atmosphere of the Oakland Symphony,? Stewart said. ‘I’ve played in so many orchestras, but I haven’t been with a group who just wants to get together and play music.?
The symphony is comprised of 60-70 musicians, some who are professional players and some who simply love music and want to include it in their lives. Their rehearsal schedule is based on the number of concerts in a given season. This fall the group will play four.
‘We have a wide selection of people from the Detroit Metro area that get together to play in this group,? Stewart said.
The symphony is considered a ‘traditional? symphony and varies its repertoire based on the guidance of director Gregory Cunningham.
‘He puts at least one piece on that stretches both the audience and the music,? Stewart said. ‘It’s neat that he puts pieces on that we may have never played before.?
Working as a section leader for the cellos, Stewart is responsible for adding additional playing parts into the music, playing solos when needed and generally leading the group.
‘My role is to just, in general, be on top of things most of the time,? Stewart said.
Stewart uses her role in the symphony to provide a greater insight for her students at Clarkston Middle School, Sashabaw Middle School and Clarkston High School.
‘I’m in a unique position to be the orchestra conductor in an area where an orchestra comes to play half of their season,? Stewart said. ‘It’s so nice to have something so close to the area. My students can come and see the way it’s supposed to be.?
The lessons provided in class to Stewart’s students are reinforced when they see their teacher perform with the orchestra, such as the proper way to hold posture and instruments.
In addition to the fund-raiser at the end of the month, the orchestra will be performing at the Clarkston High School auditorium on Oct. 23 to present the season’s opening concert, ‘Fifty Fantastic Years.?
‘I just wish more people knew about it,? Stewart said of the orchestra. ‘It’s such a great opportunity so close to home. Once they see it, they’ll know why we do it.?
Stewart started playing the cello in fifth grade. After studying at Eastern Michigan University and receiving a degree in cello performance, Stewart went on to receive a master’s and certification in music education from the University of Michigan.
Playing with a regional group, such as the Oakland Symphony, has been an activity Stewart has enjoyed and plans to continue.
‘There’s just something different about a regional group,? Stewart said. ‘We have a wide range of talented people. These are normal people doing great things. It’s really exciting.
‘We just want to play for people.?
The Oakland Symphony will perform in Clarkston on Oct. 23 at Clarkston High School for the season opener and on Oct. 29 for a benefit fund-raiser at Liberty Golf and Banquet.
To find out more about these performances or about the group, please call (248) 334-6024 or visit www.oaklandsymphony.org.