Making friends was Mark Casella’s initial goal when he got involved in Swampscott Middle School’s band and drama program after moving to town in the seventh grade. His plan was successful, and has yielded considerable additional benefits for the Swampscott High School senior.
Mark currently plays lead clarinet for both the marching and concert band. A versatile musician, he also has taken up cymbals, xylophone and piano. In the high school’s drama club, he has participated in the spring musical performances each year as well as this fall’s drama, “Murder by Poe.” To round out his performing arts experience, Mark joined North Shore Voices for this first time this year as a senior. With such a rich and varied experience in the arts throughout his high school years, Mark was inspired to write his college essay on his involvement.
“Since becoming involved in 7th grade, band and drama have helped me to be more social. Most of my really good friends are through these programs,” he says, “I have also become a more musical and creative person and more of a free thinker.”
Mark, the son of Mark and Sabrina Casella, also enjoys running cross-country track each fall.
Mark is deeply appreciative of his exposure to a broad range of musical and performing arts experiences at SHS.
“I now have a better understanding of and appreciation for music,” he says, adding that he hopes to continue to participate in the performing arts in college next year and is also considering majoring in music or film.
