Famous Maroon Band Profile: Kaitlyn Kornoely

Periodically throughout the summer, we will be taking a look at individual members of the Famous Maroon Band which make the game day environment so great.

One of the great things about college football game day at any school is the atmosphere. And one of the most important parts, and often under appreciated, is the band.

I was in the band in high school and spent two years paying for my education in the band at Northwest Community College before finishing up at Mississippi State. So I decided to put the spotlight on the Famous Maroon Band this summer.

Today’s spotlight is on Kaitlyn Kornoely. She is a clarinet player for the Famous Maroon Band. Kaitlyn will be entering her senior year at Mississippi State for the 2016-17 school year.

Are there any other instruments or musical talents you possess?

"I’m a music major, so I can also play the piano and sing. Sort of."

In all likelihood, you joined the band in middle school or junior high. What made you want to be in the band at that time?

"My cousin was in high school when I was in 5th grade, and he was in band. I used to go to the band hall after school to wait for him to take me home, and I loved that place. All the high schoolers were really nice to me and I loved the way they interacted with each other. It felt like they were all really good friends, and that really appealed to me, even as a child."

What musicians have had the biggest influence on you?

"Most of the people who have influenced me have been teachers (who, by proxy, are also musicians). My clarinet teacher here at State, Ms. Sheri Falcone, is a big inspiration for me and my standard of playing. Another MSU teacher I consider a big influence is Dr. Rosangela Sebba, who teaches music theory and is also part of the piano department. She’s such a good teacher and watching her play piano is mesmerizing."

What is your favorite memory of being a member of the Famous Maroon Band?

"I had to go to the game at Arkansas this past season. It was absolutely freezing and all of us were miserably cold (band uniforms have the unique attribute to be neither cool in the summer nor warm in the winter). Arkansas had just beat Ole Miss not too long ago, so we were kind of nervous for the outcome of the game. By the fourth quarter, we were all thoroughly frozen and Arkansas was only down by one. They decided to kick a field goal rather than go for the touchdown, and we were all resigned to defeat. The kick was only like, 30 yards, anyone could make that kick. And then, our team accomplished something I had never seen done before: they blocked a field goal! We all immediately started screaming and did not stop screaming for the rest of the game. It’s the only time I’ve ever screamed myself hoarse at a game. The freezing cold was worth it to see that game."

What is your favorite non-band related memory at Mississippi State?

"I studied abroad in Ireland during the summer of 2015 and it’s by far the best thing I’ve done in college. I recommend studying abroad to anyone who can do it."

If you would like to keep up with Kaitlyn and her exploits with the Famous Maroon Band, you can follow her on Twitter. Her Twitter handle is @CoreNoLee.

Thanks to Kaitlyn for allowing us to feature her in this Famous Maroon Band Profile. Also thanks to Dr. Craig Aarhus, one of the Associate Directors of the Famous Maroon Band for working with us to be able to spotlight the members of the band.

You can follow the Famous Maroon Band on Twitter with their Twitter handle @maroonband. The band also has a Facebook page you can go and like to keep up with all the happenings of the Famous Maroon Band.

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