Recently, we at Alle-Kiski Today went in search of musical talent asking local high school band directors to recommend their most accomplished players. Consequently, this month I'd like to introduce all our readers to Kiski Area High School senior, Lauren Palitti. Some of Lauren's earliest childhood memories ring with musical undertones, so her focus and deliberation to develop this talent and further carry it into a career is not surprising.

In fifth grade Lauren's instrument of choice was French Horn. Often noted as one of the most difficult instruments to play well, this was no small enterprise. But Lauren was up to the task ahead because as she says she "inherited the gene for strong lungs" from her dad. Lauren takes her musical inspiration from her dad as well; he was a lead trumpet at Penn Hills high school and also spent a few years in drum corps. Not to mention, by fifth grade, she was already immersed in music having begun piano lessons around age seven. She attributes this early interest to a toy piano she had as a very young child that taught her to play the theme song to the Muppets.

Now, several years and hundreds of rehearsal hours later, Lauren is developing quite the musical reputation for herself among her peers as well as her mentors and instructors. Scott Bohannon, principal horn player for the Westmoreland Symphonic Winds and Lauren's private teacher, is increasingly impressed with her playing and is working with her to secure her own chair in this ensemble that is comprised of college music majors, music professors and educators, and other professional players. Should Lauren make the final cut and begin rehearsing with them in January 2005, she'll be the youngest member of the group. Speaking of that, for the last two years, Lauren has contributed her talent to the Casino Theatre's annual Christmas musical, and she has been the youngest and only horn player. She also plays in the Kiski Valley Community Band directed by Mrs. Patti Marco.

The bands don't stop there. In school, Lauren is even busier with various music groups! She is, of course, a member of the national champion Big K Marching Band, playing mellophone (the marching equivalent to the French Horn). This is her third year in Wind Ensemble, which is audition only and traditionally reserved for juniors and seniors. However, Lauren is proud that as a sophomore, she was able to prevail over a senior player and gain entrance to this illustrious ensemble. Also throughout the school year, Lauren plays in the Westmoreland County and District East Bands and Alle-Kiski Honors Band. This year she beat out 30 other horn players to gain first chair in PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) Honors Band. She also plays in the pit band for Kiski's annual musicals and plays piano for Jazz Band A.

Lauren's perseverance toward excellence reaches beyond the doors of the band room and into her academic studies. She says, "I'm very persistent about my grades." And she manifests that attitude in her membership to NHS (National Honors Society), which requires a 3.8 minimum GPA as well as significant leadership demonstration, community involvement, and teacher recommendations. To round out her school activities, Lauren is also involved in the French club, Pride club, and Bible club.

What started as simple school participation has evolved into an identity for Lauren. Not a day passes that she isn't somehow enveloped in music - whether it's rehearsing, performing, or preparing a college audition. In fact, after graduation, she plans to pursue a major in music performance with a possible minor in composition. Listen to Lauren's enthusiasm as she discusses her activities and future plans in our video interview online at http://www.alle-kiskitoday.com/video/ourkids.