It’s 7:20 on a school morning. Most students are just arriving, racing through the halls to make it to class on time, but he’s been in the building for almost 45 minutes.
Garrett Passamonti, a senior at River Hill has not just survived in the challenging academic arena that the school provides, he has thrived. From numerous successes in AP and honors level classes, he has built up a reputation among teachers and students as the guy to go to for help. That is why, once a week, he arrives early to school to serve as a tutor to his fellow classmates.
“Garrett’s great,” declared senior Quinn Kelly. “He is always willing to explain problems to me and helps break them down step by step. He definitely has saved my math grade.”
However, Passamonti’s talents are not just limited to the classroom. He also possesses an aptitude for music, as he is the section leader for the low brass instruments of the Wind Ensemble and president of the Talon Tones.
A trombone player for the past eight years, Passamonti humbly admitted that his talent did not come naturally; it required work and constant practice.
“I simply have a passion for it (music), and it is that passion that drives me to practice and improve my skills.”
Passamonti has been a selfless servant to the band, picking up the bass trombone sophomore year to add a more diverse sound to the group. “When I picked it up it was a lot of work. It certainly took some getting use to but I was excited by the challenge.”
Members of the band are certainly fond of him. “He is a great leader,” stated Nealyn Jahangir, another senior. “He is always encouraging and helping us when we are stuck or don’t understand rhythms.”
“He (Passamonti) is an extremely enthusiastic music student,” stated Michael Blackman, the director of the band and Passamonti’s mentor. “He is a leader in both the instrumental and vocal sides of the River Hill Music Department.”
Passamonti’s adoration for music led him to the Songs for Seniors group, which travels to senior nursing homes and performs for its residents. “It’s a really rewarding experience. You can tell by the look on their faces that it meant a lot to them, and that’s what makes me so passionate about this program.”
When asked if he had any ambitions to continue his musical career in college, Passamonti responded in a manner typical of a devout musician.
“I would love to. Music has been a part of my life for so long now, that I cannot mention life without it.”