Wyandotte's Dave Martin Wins 'Downriver Idol' Title

Wyandotte's Dave Martin was seen by some as the underdog in , but the longtime musician out sung his competition and walked away with the title.

Martin was up against Jill Ryan and Lara Semetko, both of whom were finalists in last year's contest as well, which is sponsored by the Southern Great Lakes Symphony.

The three performers entertained a crowd at the Flat Rock Community Auditorium during the symphony's concert featuring the works from the Disney movie Fantasia.

The three sang a selection of their choosing, along with the orchestra.

Martin, who has been a public school vocal music teacher for 16 years, performed Maria from Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story.  

"I chose this because of my deep love for the musical," he said. "I even own a hardbound full score of the show, which I gave to the symphony to use for the performance. Maestro Charles Greenwell confessed to me in an email that he felt a thrill when he held the score, due to his love of the work."

Martin said he's been performing Maria since high school and has used the work in his middle school chorus curriculum since becoming a teacher.

Performing the song in front of a live audience is something he always enjoys.

"I was thrilled to be able to perform with the orchestra, and my moment on the stage was transcendent," Martin said. "I know the judges had a difficult task choosing a winner and I am humbled they chose me for the honor."

He had nothing but praise for his competition.

"Jill Ryan and Lara Semetko sang beautifully with grace and style," he said. "I've known both of them for years, having sung with Jill at Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church and music directed Lara in a production of Into The Woods when she was 9. The musicians on stage played masterfully."

Martin said there were a host of people who made winning the title possible.

"I am thankful to the symphony board for the opportunity to sing with the orchestra, and to Maestro Greenwell for his leadership and cordial professionalism," he said. "My mother, Jeanne, is an accomplished Sweet Adeline from Grand Rapids, who offered some valuable last-minute coaching. Most of all, I am thankful for my wife Jennifer, who has always been supportive of me in all my musical endeavors."

As the winner, Martin will have the opportunity to perform with the Southern Great Lakes Symphony in their next season.

Martin has been the director of choirs at Taylor's West Middle School for 14 years. He teaches 150 7th and 8th graders, including an all-male ensemble called Men in Black. He also has taught music at the DYPAC fine arts camp for many years, and is the lead singer and guitarist for several bands, including The Classics, The Bel Airs and The 120 Minute Men.

He has a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University and a master's degree from Eastern Michigan University, both in music education. He and his wife have two children, Mia and Mason.

Martin's win continues a trend for Wyandotte as captured the Downriver Idol title last year.