By NOAH FINEGAN – Music is fun to listen to, that goes without saying, but performing music can be a more difficult task than it seems. It just so happens that IHS has some stellar music performers who know how to put on a good show.
One such performer is senior Scott Mitsko, a jazz bassist that has performed throughout the Indiana and Pittsburgh area for seveal years now.
Mitsko performs all around Western PA, mostly with IUP professors and other professional musicians. Mitsko’s talents have taken him from performing at IHS all the way to Convention Centers and clubs. “I play anything from jazz to funk to even gospel,” Mitsko comments.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I started because of [former IHS band director] Mr. Saylor. He told me I was auditioning for district jazz and after the concert was over ,Dr. Mike Stalteri came up to me and said, ‘You’re doing my next show’ and that’s how it all started, basically” Mitsko adds, “Getting to do music is the best part of the job. I love music, I love bass, it’s been my passion for many years. It brings about unique experiences in getting to jam with other passionate musicians. It does, however, require a lot of practice, but I still love it, and I plan on doing it for as long as I possibly can.”
Recently, Mitsko performed at Spaghetti Benders with a group of IUP students and professors. This is a smaller gig in Scott’s resume of performances, “The largest crowd I’ve played was with a big band in Monroeville, there were easily a couple hundred at that performance,” Mitsko notes.
Performing live requires passion and ability and Mitsko has both in abundance. Whether performing jazz or funk, this is one act not to miss.
The performance of a lifetime could be experienced right here in our own town.
[PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT MITSKO]
