The double bass is the largest and lowest pitched bowed string instrument used in the modern symphony orchestra. It’s a sizeable challenge to play, easily met by the stronger fingered, broader-built stature of Senior Michael Eastwood, who began playing the double bass in 5th grade.
“They had everyone try out all of these different instruments and pick whichever they wanted to play. I was drawn to the base because it sounded lower and it was bigger which was fitting for me,” Michael said.
Michael has been musically involved since the age of seven when he began taking lessons in piano. Now the base section leader of the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra and a member of the men’s a capella ensemble, G-Sharp, there’s no doubt that he’s shaped a niché for himself within the musical community at Gustavus.
“Michael is a very sincere person with 100 percent dedication of his soul to music. On the outside, he seems quiet but he has an inner fire and a strong determination to succeed. He’s a great model for all music majors,” Associate Professor and Keyboard Area Coordinator in Music Yumiko Oshima-Ryan said.
On top of balancing his involvement on campus and double base performance major, Michael also takes on additional leadership roles such as serving as the Orchestra Librarian and conducting the Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra in the conductors’ absence.
“I think he shows other students who are music majors, considering a music major or simply involved in music how to be a dedicated student and musician and what can be possible if you apply yourself. He also demonstrates to the professional music community that Gustavus students are hardworking and professional,” Senior Bethany Davidson said.
Michael has been demonstrating those qualities since he was accepted to play in the Mankato Symphony Orchestra as a first year among professional musicians. Since then he’s also landed gigs in the Oneota Valley Symphony Orchestra and the LaCrosse Symphony Orchestra.
“These opportunities have definitely solidified my desire to do this as a job. It’s absolutely terrifying at times but also I can learn so much playing with people that are higher caliber. Whenever that happens it forces you to play better. There’s more competition and less room for error,” Michael said.
While Michael dedicates a big portion of his free time to practicing and playing music for fun with his friends, he also enjoys kicking back and watching Netflix, working out, going to trivia, cooking, and enjoying the company of friends when he gets the chance.
“Michael is a really good friend. He’s very driven and focused on his goals but always can make time if you need to talk or just sit around and laugh. He has a good balance in how he operates. He knows how to put the time in to be excellent and reach his goals, yet still is good about taking time to enjoy life and focus on relationships with his friends and family,” Junior Karin Dye said.
Before graduating, Michael wants to be even more involved on campus, help underclassmen realize their potential, and win the concerto competition this February.
“What I’ve found is that you don’t realize it, but time travels so fast especially when you get caught up with things. I’m focusing on enjoying things in the moment and making time for the things I want to do,” Michael said.
To those who know him, Michael already seems to have made the most of the time he’s had in the Gustavus community.
“There are many types of Gusties, Michael is one who is a great ambassador for our college. He builds his own community here by investing in people and he knows how to listen. While he may not be the kind of Gustie that is loud and constantly talking about Gustavus, his way of living and interacting with others is a perfect example of how we would want every Gustie to be,” Assistant Professor in Music Ruth Lin said.
-Jaurdyn Dobler
