I've just started my junior year at Western Michigan University as a percussion performance major. My music studies started back in 5th grade in the Manistee Area Public Schools, and I continued my music studies in band until I graduated in 2003. Mrs. Swan-Eagan's wonderful teaching and inspiration helped me realize that I should be a music major...and I haven't looked back since. I've been active in many performing ensembles since I've been here at Western. I perform with the Western Michigan University Percussion Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, and I'm currently a drum major of the Western Michigan University Bronco Marching Band. In addition to playing with the University ensembles, I'm also a sub. percusionist with the South West Michigan Symphony Orchestra, and the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra.

I'm involved in other activities at WMU. I volunteer with a student organization called Drive Safe Kalamazoo. We provide a free safe ride home to WMU students every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. I'm also involved in Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, which is the National Mens Music Fraternity. I currently hold the position of Fraternal Education Officer. I also do work with the Admissions and Orientation department - giving campus tours and working orientation programs. Being involved in many organizations and extra-curricular events at MHS helped to prepare me for all of these organizations I'm involved in here at Western. I spent time in high school learing to manage my time with all of the activities, and it has carried over to my time in college.

Just this past summer, I was a counselor at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. I attended this camp in 1998, 1999, and then I traveled to Europe with their International Exchange Program in 2000. While I was a counselor, I got to work with students ranging in age from 13-18, and I even got to work with International Students. I had two brothers in my cabin from Belgium. They hardly spoke any English - mostly just French. My four years of French studies with Mrs. Solwold at MHS made it easy to communicate with them. Although it had been a few years since I spoke French, I was surprised at how much of it I could still speak and comprehend.

Shane Parus - MHS Class of '03