Concert in the Park to feature 2002 Cadillac grad

Courtesy photo The Sapphire Brass Quintet: Quincy Ream, trumpet; Robby McCabe, trumpet; 2002 CHS grad Casey McCormack, horn; Nate Rensink, trombone; and Brendan Bohnhorst tuba.

CADILLAC — Mike Filkins, director of the Clam Lake Band, is proud of Cadillac’s former music students and likes to showcase their success at the weekly summer concerts in the park on Monday nights.

On Monday, former student and CHS grad Casey McCormick will perform with his brass quintet.

When he graduated in 2002, Casey wasn’t going to pursue music. But fate was good to him — and thankfully led him back to music.

“I was planning on being a filmmaker in college,” Casey explained. “Music was my backup. I got into several film schools but not the ones I wanted so I decided to go to Grand Valley.”Once enrolled, he became impressed with their music program.

“I thought it (music) was a better future for me. I didn’t have much experience in film. I knew a lot about music.”

When his Grand Valley horn teacher (Casey plays French horn) left the school, Casey decided to transfer. He applied to the prestigious Roosevelt University in Chicago.

“I applied not thinking I would get in because their horn teacher is legendary and a Grammy Award winner. I was just auditioning for the experience. I was surprised and very happy when I was accepted.”

While attending Roosevelt, Casey studied with Dale Clevenger, principal horn and recording soloist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He is also a well-known Chicago studio musician.

“Chicago was great for me,” he explained. “I played in several orchestras and chamber groups. Performing was great but learning from renowned people on the faculty was just amazing.”

A recent graduate, Casey is returning to Cadillac to play in two concerts with his Sapphire Brass Quintet. Members of the group have studied at the most prestigious institutions in Northern America, including Julliard and McGill. They have performed throughout the world.

“We’ll play a variety of things,” Casey explained. “They’ll hear Renaissance and classical music.”

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