Whiz Kid Marco Femiani Composes School Play, Dreams of Berklee

Someday, years after he has graduated from high school, Marco Femiani may look back at his junior year at as the one that created a new opportunity and shaped a career in music.

After years of establishing himself as a jazz guitarist, and musician performing in local venues, Femiani has been given an opportunity this year to write and direct the music for the PTHS performance of "The Crucible," an assignment that will not only test his skills as a musician, but open the door to a whole new venture that will likely develop his talent further.

The son of Joe and Janet, Femiani has become a familiar face to anyone who has ever visited . When he is not working behind the counter, Femiani has been often seen playing guitar with a few of his friends, and providing musical entertainment for the customers.

Femiani began playing guitar six years ago and has been a member of the Peters Township High School jazz band for the past two years. He also enjoys playing bass guitar, keyboards, drums and "anything (he) can get (his) hands on." He even said he has begun learning the nuances of playing the African drums.

He credits his mother for getting him started, after bringing out a guitar that she once played, which got him hooked.

Currently, Femiani balances his time playing on his own, with three different groups and preparing his writing and direction for "The Crucible," showing May 26-28.

Patch: What is your favorite music to play?

Femiani: I enjoy playing as many different genres as I can. I like to play funk, jazz fusion, and things I do with the local bands like, rock and heavy metal. I’ve enjoyed playing blues stuff as well; so I’m really all over the board, especially with playing in the jazz band at school.

Patch: Any guitar players who have stood out to you as being a favorite?

Femiani: Oh, I enjoy listening to guys like Jimmy Hendrix and Herbie Hancock and John Mayer. He also kind of has inspired me for his writing as well.

Patch: Writing for the school production of "The Crucible" must be a big honor for you, and a test of your abilities.

Femiani: It was an honor to be asked to create a score. The play originally had no music and I had to come up my own musical ideas. I’m still searching around for some themes. It’s a darker play; I’m looking for more of a Celtic style of things and thinking about some themes that are more tribal. I want to drop in a lot of different themes and sound. It’s a real interesting thing and I’m happy to be a part of it. , another Whiz Kid, has a lead role in the play, and that’s pretty cool too.

Patch: With your work on the score for "The Crucible," do you see yourself one day moving into the area of composing for theater or shows?

Femiani: Composing would be great to do, but right now I don’t know if I want to pursue that as a career. It’s one of the things I’d like to keep open, but I’d like to go to college to study music and perform. It’s something I’d definitely like to do again if I had the opportunity.

Patch: Have you begun looking at schools for music?

Femiani: Berklee in Boston is my dream school to attend. I’ve gone there to visit and it’s really a music institute. The studies center on contemporary music. John Mayer is a graduate of Berklee and the school just pumps out all of these impressive and inspiring musicians, and I really want to become part of that.

We congratulate Femiani and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. Do you know of an amazing child or teen? Read how to submit your nomination .