Most students see him walking through the band hallway with an instrument in hand and assume they know exactly who he is: just another band kid. But behind all the rehearsals, competitions and jazz band performances, senior Daniel Somerlot spends much of his time composing music, writing songs and preparing to turn his passion for music into a career. 

While many students may recognize Somerlot from band rehearsals and performances, few realize how much of his life revolves around music. From composing his own songs to playing several instruments and preparing to study music at Augustana College, music has become both a creative outlet and a path for his future in life. 

Music, however, was not always a major part of Somerlot’s life. During the COVID-19 quarantine, he began listening to more music and quickly developed an interest in it. That curiosity led him to join band in sixth grade, where he started playing the flute with the goal of eventually learning to play the piccolo. Over time, one activity led to another as he became involved in jazz band, marching band and other ensembles throughout middle and high school. What started as a simple interest in music during the quarantine eventually grew into something much larger. 

“I didn’t really have any interest in music until quarantine,” Somerlot said. “But once I started listening to it more, it just kind of became something I wanted to be a part of.”

Now as a senior, Somerlot not only performs in multiple school ensembles, but he also spends much of his time outside of school composing music and experimenting with a variety of instruments. 

Somerlot’s dedication to music is something his band director Kyle Baltzer has noticed as well. 

“He is always prepared,” Baltzer said. “I never have to worry about him not being ready for class, rehearsal or a performance.”

While Somerlot is known around school for his involvement in band, his friends say there is much more to his personality than what people may first notice. 

“People see me and think, ‘Oh that’s a band kid,’” Somerlot said. “They don’t really think about everything else I do with music.”

Senior Bianca Garcia, Somerlot’s best friend, said that while he may appear intimidating or quiet at first, he quickly becomes someone who could make just about anybody laugh once they get to know him.

“He’s a very random person,” Garcia said. “I have a quote book full of all the random stuff he says. Out of context it’s hilarious, and sometimes a little concerning.”

Garcia said the two first became friends in seventh grade after bonding through band, where they played the same instrument and spent time talking during practices. 

For Somerlot, music is more than just a school activity to take up some of his time; it is also a way for him to express himself. Garcia said that while he may not always openly talk about his feelings, his creativity allows him to communicate them in other ways. 

“He really values anything that lets you express yourself,” Garcia said. “He’s not always a very open person, but he shows his real emotions through music and writing.” In addition to performing in band, Somerlot also spends time composing his own music and experimenting with different instruments outside of school. 

At times, Somerlot’s dedication and talent stand out during performances. Baltzer recalled a holiday concert where Somerlot was given a distinct and important solo, with only about a week to prepare for the difficult role he was expected to fill. Despite the short preparation time, Somerlot took on this responsibility and performed the piece successfully during the concert in front of the audience. Moments like this show just how confident and dedicated Somerlot is as a musician, as well as a person who wishes to succeed. 

“He’s very attentive and always prepared,” Baltzer said. “You can tell he has a discipline for himself that shines through in his practices and preparation for performances.” 

One of Somerlot’s most memorable moments for himself in band occurred during a marching band competition at the University of Illinois. After weeks of rehearsal and performances throughout the season, the group of band students waited anxiously to hear the final results. When Kaneland High School was announced as placing third, the band members erupted with excitement. Students hugged each other and many began crying after realizing their hard work had paid off. For Somerlot, the moment showed how much the band community meant to him, and how powerful music can be when people work together toward a shared goal. 

“Everyone started crying,” Somerlot said. “Seeing how much everyone cared about each other and how proud we all were of what we accomplished was really special.” 

As Somerlot approaches graduation, he is preparing to continue pursuing music after high school. He has been accepted to Augustana College, where he plans to study music composition and further develop his skills as a musician. During a recent campus visit, he had the opportunity to explore the music program and learn more about the opportunities available to students in the department. For Somerlot, the experience helped him picture what the next chapter of his life may look like. 

“I’m really excited to keep learning and see where music can take me,” Somerlot said.

He hopes to continue composing music and experimenting with different styles while learning from other musicians and professors in the program. 

Baltzer believes Somerlot has the potential to succeed in the field of music because of his dedication and strong foundation as a musician.

“I think he has high potential,” Baltzer said. “He’s setting himself up with great fundamentals and a foundation to really have a successful career.”

Baltzer added that Somerlot’s passion for music and his willingness to learn will continue to help him grow as he moves into the next stage of his education.

Although many students may simply recognize Daniel Somerlot as a “the band kid” walking through the halls with an instrument in hand, those who know him understand that music is much more than just a school activity. Through years of performances, composing and dedication to his music, Somerlot has turned his passion into something that will continue long after high school. As he prepares to begin studying music in college, his journey as a musician is only just beginning.