By Jessiemae VanWilliams – Staff Reporter

Sophomore Fiona Qeriqi is currently a guitarist in the after-school Modern Band program at Law.

Qeriqi has played guitar for four years and is excited for the opportunity Modern Band gives her.

“I wouldn’t have a group to play with,” Qeriqi said. “I’d just be solo.” 

Qeriqi said the program has helped her greatly as a guitarist, especially playing in a group setting with other musicians. She is hopeful that the after-school program eventually becomes an actual class for students to take.

“I think it’s a good idea because there’s not a chance for people to not show up, you know, or like not to learn their things,” Qeriqi said. “Instead of it being an after-school thing – you can just easily not go – but if it’s a class you have to do the stuff.”

Modern Band benefits a student who is interested in playing music. Without it, there would really be no opportunity for playing modern or tasteful music in a group setting or generally any music at Law. 

“I think it definitely helped me understand more things because (Band Director) Mr. Pelaggi gives feedback to us all the time so if I didn’t do Modern Band I wouldn’t have that feedback,” Qeriqi said. 

Modern Band started last year as an after-school program and has grown and improved this year. 

“I think I definitely enjoy it this year and I think the people in my group are more dedicated, better musicians, and I don’t have to come in worrying about if someone learned the song or not,” Qeriqi said.

Overall, Fiona Qeriqi is both a phenomenal student at this school and a phenomenal musician. It is clear she puts her time and effort into what she does and she does it exceptionally.