The Orchestras

In May, 2004, a group of dedicated musicians joined together in the close confines of a basement in an attempt to rehearse music to perform as an ensemble. Each musician had as his goal the playing together of beautiful, timeless music. September brought the culmination of the summer’s efforts as the musicians gathered on the stage of the Pix Theatre to present their debut. The concert was a wonderful success with the house packed to overflowing. After this inspiring performance, the group divided into two orchestras, the Lapeer Civic Philharmonic and Lapeer Symphony Orchestra, with members assigned according to ability. Their shared goal is to provide a means for both beginner and advanced musicians to be involved in the community by presenting classical music.

The Lapeer Philharmonic offers a special opportunity to aspiring, beginner musicians to cultivate excellence in both music education and performance. In this way, the Lapeer community will benefit by the exposure of the next generation to the performing arts. The Lapeer Philharmonic is open to both beginner and intermediate-level musicians of all ages.

Until 2004, Lapeer County did not have its own orchestra. This situation changed when a number of musicians gathered together to form what is now the Lapeer Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony’s goal is to offer proficient musicians the opportunity to perform timeless music for the appreciation and enjoyment of the citizens in Lapeer County and surrounding areas.

Interested musicians should contact Mike Foster (989) 843-7089 for information on audition requirements and scheduling.

Mike Foster brings to the Lapeer Symphony Orchestra’s podium a skillful and artistic command of music. His musical training began on the trumpet while he was in fourth grade at Faith Baptist School in Davison. His first private teacher was Stan Will of Flint. As a senior in high school, Mike moved to Greenville, S.C., where he began private lessons with Dan Kirsop, a faculty member of Bob Jones University. He continued studying under Kirsop throughout his four years of college at BJU. Mike was principal trumpet of the BJU Symphony Orchestra for four years and of the Symphonic Band for two years, and he played as a substitute for the Foundation Brass Quintet. He also played with several Greenville community groups including the Spartanburg Philharmonic and the Anderson Chamber Orchestra.

While in high school, Mike won national awards on trumpet through the Bob Jones University Fine Arts Competition and the American Association of Christian Schools Competition. As a college student, he won several regional solo competitions.

After graduating from BJU with a degree in Music Education, Mike taught at Juniata Christian School where he also served as band and choir director. He currently resides in Mayville with his wife, Bonnie, and their three children.