Michelle Schmiedeler

On Drumming:
Michelle wasn't born with natural rhythm. Her interest in percussion started early, but was not given the opportunity to play in school band until Junior High. That is where she taught herself to read drum music.

"I am pretty good at math, especially fractions, so breaking down the note values was easy for me," explained Michelle.

With money earned from mowing lawns, Michelle piece by piece put together her first drum set. It was all parts from back rooms and basements of music shops. "None of it matched, but it was great! I finally had my kit!" At sixteen she played on a local television program "All Night Live" and with a few garage bands. After graduating from High School, she put her sticks away.

Almost fifteen years later while Michelle was attending MCC Kansas City, Susie signed her up for praise band. "I told her she was crazy. I hadn't played in so long. I ended up joining and the first few times I played, I was so nervous I was sick. After that I realized it wasn't about me at all, but about worshipping the Lord. I gave it over to God and wasn't nervous about it longer. I just remember, I am playing for God."

On Spirituality
Michelle was raised in a Catholic family. During her adolescent years, she felt spiritually empty and began searching for something more. In the spring of 1990, she got involved in a sports program at a Baptist Church. This is where she accepted Jesus as her Savior.

But, in due time, Michelle was physically removed from the church and told not to return. "I was shocked because I was not "out" to the church. I thought, how can they stand there and teach Thou Shalt Not Judge - and then kick me out." At that point Michelle's spiritual journey came to a standstill.

It was in 1999 Michelle was introduced to MCC-Kansas City and got involved in their music ministry. "I am so blessed to be able to be in God's ministry. The church is such a blessing to me."

Michelle Schmiedeler
August 2003