Growing up with the saxophone
Out of 40 music students, Grace Pawluszka was handpicked for a music program because of her skills playing the saxophone.
“Anyone can play notes, but are you really performing and getting a connection to the music?” Pawluszka said.
The performer’s experience and the audience’s experience are two different feelings. Music allows you to express yourself in a very different way, said the 19-year-old. Pawluszka was exposed to music early her life. At the age of three, she learned how to play the violin. By fifth grade she found her passion for the saxophone. The sophomore is in the Honors Program and hopes to pursue a career in music as a band or music teacher.
Pawlusza’s parents have always been supportive of her passion for music.
Her mother is a nurse but also sings and plays the violin. She said her parents always tell her to do what she is passionate about.
“Voice truly shows someone’s soul. Music is a very different way of communication,” Pawluszka said.
Choosing Central Michigan University felt right for Pawluszka, it was an adventure away from her home in Warren Michigan. She is a second year student, but is a junior based on credits in the Honors Program.
Pawluszka was also influenced to come to CMU by one of her professors, John Nichol.
“Grace is a very intelligent person, she’s extremely bright, she’s a centralist. Besides being exceptionally bright, she is a very good saxophonist," Nichol said.
Pawluszka was one of the four students chosen to be a part of the saxophone quartet by Nichol. She had to impress her way through 40 other saxophonists to get where she is today. She attended CMU music camps, making herself well known among many professors, one of which being, Mr. Nichol.
I targeted her early on as a person who would do very well in music and someone who I would enjoy working with, also.” Said Nichol.
Being a Music education major takes a lot of time managment. Pawluszka has about 10-12 one credit classes a week. On top of that she has to practice 10-20 hours weekly during lessons with professors and on her own time.
“I’m very competitive, I don’t like losing," she said.
Pawluszka plans to either become a band teacher at a high school or a band professor at a university.
“I’m waiting for more exciting experiences to help me decide the path I want to go down” she said.
