Warriors are displaying their musical talents around town, including Jupiter High Spanish teacher Kate Taranella who performs at local venues and even has a song on iTunes.

Taranella has been playing guitar for 10 years and started performing publicly at the beginning of 2017.

“I was very nervous [the first time playing] because it was such a large crowd but many were friends and family. So, I felt loved and supported,” said Taranella.

Even though Taranella is relatively new to performing live, she has performed at local places: Double Roads Tavern, Max Lineup, Square Grouper, Leftovers Café, Flash Beach Grille and Jumby Bay.

“I just genuinely love to perform and would be happy being the local rock-star,” said Taranella.

Junior Jacob Ponzoli also has been pursuing his musical passion for almost eight years. Ponzoli started playing guitar with his friends for fun, but after he came to Jupiter High, he became more serious.

“Being in front of a crowd for the first time was extremely nerve racking, but instantly I feel in love with the audience of local crowds,” said Ponzoli.

From playing in the garage to playing at public venues like Double Roads and Jonny Mangoes, Ponzoli has grown as a performer.

Like Ponzoli, sophomore Michelle Lopez also plays guitar. She has been playing since guitar since she was five and performing live since she was eight. Lopez loves performing because it makes her feel more outgoing.

“Performing brings me out of my shell. Generally I am a shy person, but there an exception for music,” said Lopez.

Sophomore Jillian Duke has been playing piano for six years and guitar for two. She loves playing and dreams of incorporating music into her future career and adult life.

“Performing has become such a big part of my life, and I have so many great memories nested in the venues I have played at,” said Duke.

Even though all of these performers have different styles and skill levels, they are all motivated by their love of music and performing.