Smithsburg teen expresses herself in song

September 22, 2008|By ERIN CUNNINGHAM

SMITHSBURG -- At 15 years old she has already performed the national anthem at three Hagerstown Suns games and other events. Most recently she sang at a remembrance ceremony in Hagerstown's City Park.

"I've been singing pretty much my whole life," said Katie Gigante, a Smithsburg High School sophomore. "Ever since I could make noise."

Katie is part of her school's show choir, takes voice lessons and performs with the Frederick (Md.) Children's Choir. In the past, she has taken piano lessons and played the clarinet, and now she takes guitar lessons.

"I like singing more than playing instruments," she said. "But piano is a good skill to have for a singer."

Katie said she loves all music, but mostly Broadway show tunes. Her favorites are "The Sound of Music" and "Rent."

"I love that you can express yourself (through music)," she said. "It's something that you can always have with you."

Katie performs in musicals at Smithsburg High School and also works behind the scenes on the fall plays. She also performs with a musical theater group in Frederick.

While she loves music, Katie said she is not sure if she wants to pursue singing as a career. She is going to apply for a seat in the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts, a new performing arts high school opening in downtown Hagerstown next year.

Applications became available Thursday.

If she does not pursue music in college, Katie said she'll always keep it as a extracurricular activity. She said she might study math or engineering in college.

Katie also participates in indoor track at Smithsburg High, and this year she will try out for the tennis team. She's also on the honor roll.

|

|

|