Judyth Peterson

Since 2009, Midland native Judyth Peterson has brought a wealth of musical expertise to the Saint Brigid band program. She holds a Music Education degree from Michigan State University where she was a percussion major and member of the Spartan Marching Band. She worked with high school band camps throughout the state and at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, touring Europe with their International Orchestra. Ms. Peterson taught band in Ft. Wayne, Indiana before returning to Midland to become the Business Manager of the Midland Symphony Orchestra, a position she held for 20 years. She set the all-time MSO attendance record and developed educational programs reaching thousands across the region. During that time, she continued to teach music as the drumline instructor at Midland High School. There she created a program that attracted unprecedented numbers to the MHS bands. She has been honored as a Chemic for Life and homecoming Grand Marshal. With the staff of the Northern Aurora Drum & Bugle Corps, Judyth toured on the national competition circuit for two summers. She was a charter member of Midland’s Resonators Percussion Ensemble, performing around the community for over a decade. As a commissioned Lay Minister at Blessed Sacrament Parish, she directed the handbell choir, served in adult formation, RCIA, and liturgy, and traveled to Israel with the late Bishop Kenneth Untener. Ms. Peterson left the MSO in 2006 to open a private percussion studio. Her students have scored superior ratings at state festivals and auditions, going on to college marching bands and earning music degrees. She recently retired her Midland High position after 38 years of audacious drumming. She continues to perform in the MSU Alumni Band and is a Past President of the MSU Alumni Club of Midland County. In addition to her musical pursuits, Judyth provides respite care for adults with disabilities through the Arnold Center. She is a doting aunt and Godmother, avid sports fan, and recites annually at the Midland Reads Poetry event. She can be found cheering on her beloved Spartans, working out at the Community Center, pedaling her Trek 1220 and paddle boarding around Michigan waters. Always inspired by the students of Saint Brigid School, she thrives on making music with the “small but mighty” Shamrock Bands.