Faces of the Valley: Deer Lakes student is 1st in school district to achieve trifecta of musical festivals

A Deer Lakes High School student has achieved a musical feat never before seen in the district.

Michael Everhart, a senior, became the first Deer Lakes student to qualify for three ensembles — band, orchestra and choir — at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Region Festivals held earlier this year.

Michael considers the accomplishment the Super Bowl of his high school career.

“I get to leave a little history behind,” he said. “That’s pretty rare.”

The PMEA is a statewide nonprofit with more than 4,000 members dedicated to promoting the musical development of all Pennsylvanians, as described on its website.

Michael only was allowed to perform in one category for the PMEA All-State Festival on April 9 in the Poconos. He chose orchestra. He was one of six trumpet players and the second Deer Lakes student ever to perform at the All-State Orchestra Festival.

An avid musician, Michael picked up the trumpet when his fourth grade music teacher, Lacey Mahler, suggested he try out the brass instrument during an instrument day for students. The journey would be a frustrating one, during which he almost gave up.

His father, Mike Everhart, said he could see his son’s talent and did not want him to give up so soon.

“I think that little pep talk may have pushed him to excel at his instrument and focus on being a wonderful musician,” Everhart said.

News of Michael’s achievement was a proud moment for his parents.

“We are absolutely proud of everything he has done to get to this point,” Everhart said.

Michael said he is grateful for his parents’ encouragement because he pushed himself to try other music ventures to help make him well-rounded as a musician.

He was involved with the River City Youth Brass Band from ninth grade until covid first hit in 2020. He plays from time to time for the North Pittsburgh Symphonic Band. His freshman year, he participated in the Carnegie Mellon University summer music program, where he played for six hours a day.

“That was the most I have been really involved musically,” he said.

Michael credits his success to his mentor and teacher Josh Boudreau, who is the principal cornet and concert master of River City Brass Band.

“I really started accelerating from there,” Michael said. “I have been playing with him up until now.”

Michael said he has no plans of setting his music skills aside after graduating from high school. He plans on attending college to pursue music education.

“I want to teach kids and help kids reach full potential,” he said.