Senior Leo Bochicchio writes his own

Senior Leo Bochicchio performs an original song in his home on Saturday Aug. 16. Bochicchio started writing full musicals his freshman year and has continued throughout high school. “I work first on the piano, then I start writing lyrics. After getting that all together, I usually start with songs first, and write scenes around [them].” Bochicchio said. (Photos by

Grace Hensley)

MAKING

MUSICALS

Senior Leo Bochicchio writes and produces musicals

KATIE HOLLAND

sports editor

For many, the idea of writing the lyrics, melodies and chord progressions of songs, as well as the scenes and scripts for an entire musical production seems overwhelming. For senior Leo Bochicchio, however, having complete control and creativity over his work is what ignites his passion.

Writing musicals was not something Bochicchio always saw in his future. While Bochicchio has grown more than comfortable in the musical theater setting, this was not always the case.

“As a kid, I liked to sing, but I wasn’t really into performing,” Bochicchio said. “It made me really nervous.”

Bochicchio found himself interested in musical theater after discovering it in middle school. By the time he entered high school, his nerves in regards to performing had disappeared and he started to participate in music-based classes.

“I started teaching myself to sing and [participated] in school choir, acapella and taking voice lessons,” Bochicchio said. “I think musical theater was what got me started in doing music seriously.”

Writing musicals wasn’t just something Bochicchio picked up overnight. Despite knowing how to play the piano and write a script, there was much to be learned.

“I had to learn how to compose notation-wise,” Bochicchio said. “I had to be able to write for an orchestra and piano, write the lyrics for a song, write the chord structures for songs and make that work in a musical theater setting.”

Bochicchio has written one musical in full, called “After Rehearsal.” He planned to stage a production of his work; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has prolonged the process.

“It was basically just kind of like a ‘High School Musical’ type play about high school drama,” Bochicchio said. “It’s about these kids trying to figure themselves out and competing for roles [in musicals].” Bochicchio is now working on his second musical. In contrast with his previous play, this one is an anthology, or a collection of short scenes unrelated to one another.

“They’re all separate stories,” Bochicchio said. “These different men sing about something that they typically wouldn’t be able to talk about due to the society they’re living in.” Junior Katie Marks has supported Bochicchio throughout his journey in writing musicals. Marks remains intrigued by the pieces Bochicchio creates.

“I just encourage him if he ever becomes doubtful of his work, and express how impressed I am that he can even do things like this in general,” Marks said.

Recently, St. Dominic High School senior Charlie Wehde has helped support him on his current project. Wehde describes his role as part of Bochicchio’s support system.

“His attitude and talent at both composition and performance allow for some great pieces,” Wehde said. “If you haven’t heard any yet, don’t worry — I know the whole world will one day.” p