Laura Klingensmith.

As a senior at Kiski Area High School, Laura Klingensmith, daughter of Richard and Colleen, is a walking advertisement for Kiski's music department. Although she is a member of marching band, wind ensemble, and pit orchestra, there is more to Laura than music stands and cork grease. She also participates in peer tutoring and the National Honor Society. Outside of school she is an active member of her youth group at Saltsburg Baptist Church and currently works at King's Family Restaurant in Holiday Park.

As you can see, she is extremely enthusiastic about music. This love was birthed in her at the early age of five by her grandmother's suggestion that she take organ lessons because she had "great organ playing hands." Her parents also encouraged music; she was given lessons for seven years. Through practice, she soon learned how to play both keyboards and peddles, a task designed only for the talented.

Her skill increased so much that in fifth grade she was asked to play for her church. First she played short introductions and conclusions to the service, but soon she played for worship services as well. She practices about four hours a week minimally. Her pastor, Rev. Steve Wright is overwhelmed by her dedication to music. "Someday before I die, I want to play the pipe organ in some big cathedral. That'd be pretty sweet," Laura remarks about her greatest aspiration.

No bona fide musician can stick to one instrument, and true to form Laura took up clarinet in fifth grade. She began playing as another way to foster her love of music. As a young clarinetist, she felt playing this new instrument was easy, but as the competition got harder in high school she realized she also had to improve. She took lessons for three years and practiced for more than four hours a week

As a result, she achieved fifth chair in wind ensemble her sophomore year. This is an outstanding achievement not only because the band is audition only but also because Laura gained a higher position than anyone else in her grade. She was very confident in her abilities, but she never believed she would surpass her goal of just being in the band. "I don't care what chair I'm in. I love being in this band and the people here," Laura stated emphatically.

She auditioned for wind ensemble simply because she strove for something better. She wanted to play with fine musicians and improve as an instrumentalist in the best possible surroundings. "I'll always strive to do the best and will not accept anything less." This is Laura's third year in wind ensemble.

Other musical accomplishments include the Alle-Kiski Honor's Band her sophomore and junior years, District Orchestra and Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Honor's Band her junior year, and pit orchestra for the musicals the past three years.

All of her high school career, Laura has participated in the marching band. She felt it was a great opportunity to continue in her pursuit of musical excellence. Not only did she learn more about music, but she also learned more about life. The lessons taught encouraged her to be a better person and to cooperate with a hundred or so other people working toward a common goal. She also learned optimism, enthusiasm, dedication, and diligence.

Laura's sister, Carrie, is also in the band. Laura was happy that she was able to share so many good experiences with her. "One thing that will always be with me is the Kiski band experiences. The memories, things I've learned, and people I've met will always be in my heart."

The most rewarding thing for her about playing music is being able to communicate with people on a personal level. "To be able to reach someone through music and create a smile or a tear because of what you did is very special."

Laura was inducted into the National Honor Society this past November. This honor is bestowed upon academically outstanding students who have impacted their community. Laura certainly fulfills these criteria making a difference in the lives of her peers and adults alike. She is always on high honor roll with a GPA of 3.8 to 4.0.

Through NHS, she became involved in peer tutoring. She has only done it for two months, but already it has rewarded her in many ways. First she gets to help other students make a positive change in their life, but she also is learning more through teaching.

Outside of school, Laura participates in many church functions. Besides playing organ, she is also part of the youth group. This past Valentine's Day, her youth group sponsored a banquet for the Saltsburg community. She also hopes to take part in a mission trip planned for this June.

Although school is a big part of her life, Laura is glad it is almost over. "I like to learn, but at the same time I am happy to leave Kiski and move on to bigger and better things." At the end of June, soon after graduation, Laura will attend Penn State University. A six-week summer course will commence this ambitious young adult in a fast paced college lifestyle. She will major in landscape/architecture and minor in music. She also hopes to study engineering and medicine at some distant point in her future as well as participate in one of Penn State's finer ensembles.

It's clear Laura is an extremely well-rounded person and dedicated in every aspect of her life. She humbly acknowledged that she owed all of this to God and the great parents he gave her. "I just want to thank them for everything they have done for me. My love of music, love of learning, and of Christ…I am very blessed. It has been amazing, absolutely amazing."