The sharp shrill of the alarm clock pierces the 5:30 sleep-filled morning, but junior Katie Spitalnic does not have the luxury of pushing the snooze button. She is a committed member of Jazz Band, an ensemble that meets three to four times a week before school from 6:30 to 7:00 a.m.

Spitalnic is a percussionist, and plays drum set, marching bass drum, snare drum, and the tambourine. She has been playing for six years, but her interest truly developed in middle school, and since then it has only continued to thrive.

In addition to Jazz Band, Spitalnic has both been involved with and is currently involved in various other groups. These include Percussion Ensemble, Symphonic Band, John Philip Sousa International Honors Band, Southern New England’s Honors Band, Drum Line, and All-State.

As an honors student and two-three season athlete, she admits that finding the time to practice for these extracurriculars is challenging. “I probably don’t practice as much as I should, but that’s because when I would be practicing I am out at another band rehearsal,” said Spitalnic. “My goal is to get [in] at least 15 minutes a day, even if it is just to clean up a rhythm or play through a song.”

Attending the practices themselves have proven to be stressful as well. Several times a week Spitalnic gets up early to go to Jazz Band, attend school, and go to either cross country or track practice. She only has a limited amount of time at home to complete homework, then she must go to Drum Line practice at Hendricken, and does not arrive back home until 9:30 p.m. Once she is home, she still has to eat, shower, finish her homework, and prepare for the next day of school. “I have to plan my homework and sports schedule accordingly so that I can fit it all in,” she said. “It’s not easy but it’s definitely worth it.”

As well as the time management struggle, working with many other students can also be challenging. However, despite the frustrations that can occasionally result from a variety of students playing together, Spitalnic values the finished product and “enjoys hearing the music as one piece with all the parts fitting together. It shows that all of our individual work has paid off.”

In addition to the satisfaction of the final result, Spitalnic’s musical responsibilities have shaped her as a person as well. “It has helped me…with many everyday skills such as time management, memorization, and patience,” she said. “Playing music is actually very healthy, a good hobby, and a stress reliever.”

The diversity of music that she has played has influenced her music taste and enabled her to open her ears to “both the challenges and beauty of music.” Spitalnic appreciates music more than she would if she were not as knowledgeable and involved as she currently is.

She plans on pursuing her love of music in college through the involvement of a marching band, because it serves as a useful opportunity to become integrated in the college community while still following her passions.

Although Spitalnic began playing the drums in the fourth grade, she encourages anyone interested in becoming deeper immersed in the art of music to start whenever they please. There are numerous private lesson opportunities as well as lessons provided by individuals as the form of community service.

“Playing music can really affect people in so many different ways,” said Spitalnic, “which is why I find it important for everyone to consider playing to see how it impacts both [themselves] and the people around them.”

“The most rewarding part is being able to hear the final product and know that all the work paid off and that you were able to take part in creating this music.” – Katie Spitalnic