While students and teachers sit on the bleachers during mass, sophomore musician Scott Novak performs. Seated behind the Music Ministry’s keyboard, Novak helps lead the group in worship songs.
Novak performs on the piano in front of hundreds of students and teachers at each Mass and rarely feels intimidated.
“It’s really important as a musician to get experience playing in front of a group of people. Music Ministry gives me that experience,” said Novak.
Novak loves the group aspect of music. “When I’m with a group [playing piano], it’s a lot of fun. You become part of the group,” said Novak. He also added that the group keeps him from feeling nervous. “At school, I really don’t get nervous. I only get nervous if play a solo completely by myself,” Novak said.
To reach his current musical ability, Novak spent years building up experience. He began his first piano lessons when he was only five years old.
“I hated it,” Novak said. “But around ten, when I started getting good at it, I liked it a lot more. It turned out to be worth it, but in the beginning, my parents had to force me to go to the lessons.”
Besides Music Ministry, Novak plays piano at Fallston United Methodist Church, and even writes his own classical-style piano solos, one of which he entitled “Tears of the Earth.”
Novak sees music as one of his most important creative outlets. “I think a lot of it is just about expression, and I always play according to my mood. It’s like a different language that you learn.”
For inspiration, Novak turns to Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi. This modern composer has written scores for over 100 Japanese films. “I’ve played and learned tons of his songs,” Novak said.
Novak’s musical interests reach far beyond the piano keys. He keeps busy by singing in the school chorus and playing the trombone in both the concert band and jazz band.
During the fall musicals, Novak plays the violin in the pit orchestra, but when the spring musical comes around, Novak performs in the production, acting and singing on stage.
“Musicals are a whole other thing with the vocals. I really like singing,” Novak said
According to Novak, the play “Wicked” tops his list of favorite musicals to watch. “I saw it a few years ago at the Hippodrome and loved it,” Novak said.
Whether he’s performing in musicals or writing piano solos, Novak is always involved in music. But at this point in his life, Novak doesn’t believe that he will major in music in college. “The music industry is quite difficult,” Novak said.
Even if he doesn’t plan to pursue a major or career in music, Novak knows that music will always be a part of his life. He hopes to always play piano at church or play music for community shows. Novak said, “I will definitely be involved in music in some way.”
Joey Hoff can be reached for comment at [email protected]