Student Spotlight
By Sarah Grace Smith
High Notes
14 November/December 2021
S
adie Storts has been playing music almost her whole life and, thanks to a recent competition victory, will release her debut EP this month. In the spring, Storts competed in Instaband, a songwriting competition hosted by Dublin’s GROOVE U. Storts won the competition with her heartfelt acoustic songs “Fake I Love You’s” and “Fantasy,” which showcase influences from musicians such as Taylor Swift and Adele. For the grand prize, Storts received a recording contract with GROOVE U’s Elementary Records that includes the recording of a studio EP, creation of a music video, concert booking and promotion. Central Crossing High School senior Storts’ musical journey to her EP dates back much before the competition though. “I grew up writing little tunes in my head, and as I got older … I started writing stuff down and solidifying real lyrics,” she says. “Writing music has always been a really big part of my life. I think it’s something that makes me, me.” When Storts was a child, her mother taught her to play the piano. Her mother also bought her a guitar, which Storts learned to play on her own. “I was immediately drawn toward singing and dancing around the house, listening to music,” she says. “It was always something I really enjoyed.” Those early interests in music only grew over time. When Storts joined the school band in sixth grade, she picked up the oboe. She eventually added the ukulele to her musical repertoire as well. Now, Storts keeps a packed schedule with school band, marching band, choir, musicals and dance. And that’s all on top of her regular class schedule. “The way I keep myself steady … without falling behind is my own personal practice,” she says. “(I) also just tell myself that I can do these things and that I’m capable.” Storts’ success in Instaband continues a pattern of musical excellence. Most recently, she placed second in the Voice of Grove City. Her sophomore year, she was the only student in Central Crossing’s chorale to be accepted into the Ohio Music Education Association AllState Choir. Her junior year, she became the first www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
Photo courtesy of Ray LaVoie Photography
Central Crossing student wins music competition
