Michelle Kraak
Michelle Kraak is a first year masters student at the Eastman School of Music. She graduated with honors from the DePaul University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Trumpet Performance. While in Chicago, Michelle performed at Symphony Center and on Windy City Live with the DePaul Wind Ensemble. She also had freelance work while in Chicago, playing in orchestras and churches. Additionally, Michelle performed in masterclasses given by Timur Martynov of the Marrinsky Orchestra, Chris Martin Principal of the New York Philharmonic, and Bob Sullivan at Northwestern University.
As an educator, Michelle has taught students of varying skill levels and ages. Michelle currently is a trumpet intern at the Eastman Community Music School, where she teaches trumpet students in the surrounding area. She also served as a brass instructor at Charles D. Owen High School, where she ran sectionals and warm ups. Michelle also helped teach eighth grade students at Sheboygan Falls Middle School.
Currently, Michelle is studying with James Thompson of the Eastman School of Music. At DePaul she primarily studied with William Denton, Matthew Comerford, and Matthew Lee. She also studied with Dennis Najoom, the Former Co-Assistant Principal Trumpet of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Each one of these teachers, along with the support of family and friends, has directly contributed to her achievements as a musician.