Summer, 2016
The Applebaum Fellowship Program is about providing unique opportunities – opening a door, making a new connection, offering experience to the ambitious.
For William Underwood, one of the inaugural Applebaum Fellows, the opportunity to work as a Wayne State University student intern at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 2016, was perhaps a pivotal transition where believing in himself was tested and further realized. For William Underwood, being an Applebaum Fellow was about being embraced and valued – helping to fuel an inchoate confidence to a greater belief in his calling.
“The (Applebaum) Fellowship that was bestowed upon me greatly enhanced my quality of life, business acumen and musical ability – skill sets that have helped propel my traverse through the world of music. Upon earning my Master’s Degree (at Wayne State) in Flute Performance in May, 2016, I spent the next three summers performing in major stage shows that toured Japan extensively….
The arts have always carried me, and I respect the calling that has been placed on my life… At the age of 30, I understand that the next ten years of my life will be very formative for who I am to become, and I hope to realize my higher purpose.
To live in the heart of Detroit and make music that spreads positivity is what I hope for. With the opportunity to focus on the flute without distractions, I will be able to accomplish goals that serve a greater purpose. Dedicating my life to music has been a 19-year journey and I have no plan to quit. Throughout all of my experiences, I have always chosen music.”
We are grateful that William Underwood “chose” to be an Applebaum Fellow. We saw this choice firsthand when William and two other Wayne State-DSO Applebaum Fellow colleagues visited with Eugene Applebaum at his office in the summer of 2016. William recounted some of the internship experiences at the DSO. Most of all, he shared his passion for music with an impromptu recital.
The smile on Eugene Applebaum’s face grew more wide spending time with students from his beloved alma mater, Wayne State University, and hearing how they connected with a vital Detroit cultural arts institution, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Yet, the grin was about something he loved giving the most: belief.
From left: William Underwood III, Zachary Fragoso, former DSO Executive Vice President (EVP), Paul Hogle, Ross Wine with Mr. Eugene Applebaum
William continues his story at the DSO teaching a Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensemble flutist at orchestra hall, a program that he is an alumnus of.
Images courtesy of William Underwood and Applebaum Family Philanthropy.
Learn more about William and his story: https://willunderwood.com/
