After graduating from Manistee High School in 2003, I started my college career at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. I was accepted into the School of Music as a percussion performance major. Mrs. Swan-Eagan's wonderful teaching and inspiration in band class during my time at MHS made my decision to be a music major an easy one. During my five years at Western Michigan University, I was active in many ensembles at the university and surrounding areas. I performed with the University Symphonic Band, University Symphony Orchestra, University Percussion Ensemble, and was drum major of the University Bronco Marching Band for three years. In addition to playing with the University ensembles, I also performed regularly with the South West Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra, and the South Bend Symphony Orchestra in Indiana. I also managed to find time to perform in pit orchestras for local high schools and community theaters in the area, including performing at Mason Street Warehouse summer stock Theater in Saugatuck, MI.

 

It wasn't just all music for me while I was at Western Michigan, however. I used to volunteer with a student organization called Drive Safe Kalamazoo. We would provide a safe ride home for students every weekend - no questions asked. I was an orientation student leader the summer of 2004, giving tours and helping incoming freshmen get acclimated to life at Western Michigan. Occasionally, I would take on the role of Buster Bronco - Western Michigan University's mascot. I would participate as Buster for sporting and community events. In the fall of 2003, I joined Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, which is the National Mens Music Fraternity. I served the chapter as corresponding Secretary, Fraternal Education Officer, and Vice President. Being involved in many organizations at MHS helped me to learn how to manage my time, which proved to be very useful as I progressed through college.

 

After graduating Western Michigan in April of 2008, I was hired by Holland America Cruise Line as a percussionist in their show band. My duties include playing percussion in an eight-person party band, backing up main-stage guest entertainers, and of course, traveling the world on a cruise ship! My first contract in August of 2008 took me on a two-month cruise through Canada and New England, making stops in places like Quebec City, Halifax, and Boston. I went back to Kalamazoo in October for "vacation" and immediately returned to the music scene. December saw me off on another cruise, this time sailing the West coast of the Mexican Rivera for about three months. We made a trip through the Panama Canal, and then crossed the Atlantic Ocean over to the Mediterranean. In April of 2009, I again returned to Kalamazoo for "vacation." (I always thought it was funny how they called your time away from sailing around the world "vacation.") The middle of April, I flew back to the Mediterranean and joined a ship for a six month contract. Since that time, I've been sailing to some of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean. Just a few of the ports include Rome, Athens, Morocco, Monte Carlo, the Greek Islands of Mykonos and Santorini, Croatia, and overnight stays in Venice, Barcelona, and Istanbul. I am currently writing this from a small cafe in the city of Katakalon, Greece, (a small port outside of Olympia, Greece.)

 

Long-term plans include continuing to sail around the world with Holland America Line. There is no way that I would be able to have this wonderful job if it weren't for the great experiences I had at MHS. I still use the French I learned from Mrs. Solwold's French class at MHS when I visit Monte Carlo, Monaco. I can remember learning about some of these Mediterranean ports when I took my history classes at MHS. And of course, all of the great musical experience I learned from Mrs. Swan-Eagan. I'm not too sure where life will take me once I stop working in the cruise industry...New York? Chicago? Los Angeles? I do know that as long as I'm playing music for my career, I'm sure to be happy! I remain thankful to all of the dedicated teachers and staff at MHS for helping me realize my potential as a professional musician, and I will always remember the lessons they taught me - no matter which part of the world I end up in next!

Shane Parus - MHS Class of '03
(Picture taken at the ruins in Ephesus, Turkey.)