Having played piano for the majority of his life, junior Marco Giovanelli said he feels comfortable and supported while drumming alongside bandmates in band Dopeamine.

Giovanelli said he is used to performing alone or with his father, and joining Dopeamine while also playing an unfamiliar instrument has given him a new perspective in being onstage.

“It’s a completely different atmosphere when you’re with other people. I’m on a different instrument; I’ve never really played drums for anyone,” Giovanelli said.

Giovanelli said although he is a member of Dopeamine, he views himself in the future being more of an independent artist.

“I see (bandmates) in the halls, but other than that we’re not really that close of friends,” Giovanelli said. “I think I’m more of a (solo) pianist rather than a drummer in this band that plays at coffeehouses once every three months.”

Giovanelli said joining Dopeamine has provided him with new outlooks on performing.

“My favorite part (of being a member of Dopeamine) is having someone else onstage with me. It’s different when you have people up there rather than just you, so that was a fun new thing to try,” Giovanelli said.

Band teacher Steve Schmitz said Giovanelli doesn’t typically play drums in class and jazz band allows him to hone his piano skills.

“Marco’s primary job is percussion, which involves about 30 different instruments, commonly known as drums and mallets and auxiliary percussion,” Schmitz said. “In the jazz band his primary role is piano and vibraphone.”

Giovanelli said playing in different locations with his father has also helped him gain experience in performing.

“I’ve played with (my dad) atall sorts of venues and at church a lot, and that’s a lot of fun because we have such a good bond,” Giovanelli said.

According to Schmitz, Giovanelli’s musical experiences outside of school allow him to improve and learn what practicing music is like in a professional environment.

“Marco is very passionate and very talented and he takes on extra opportunities, whether it’s honor bands or jazz bands in the community,” Schmitz said. “He’s just proactive in his own education, besides talented and passionate.”

Schmitz said Giovanelli’s professionalism and humility makes him a great student in the classroom.

“I’m sure he knows he is talented, but he is humble, which means a lot to me personally. His peers respect him for that—they look to him as a leader,” Schmitz said.