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CHS student singing her way to the top
A Columbus High School student has found time in her busy schedule to write music and perform at many of the local events, in the hopes of one day making her passion, her career.
Katelyn Hobaugh, a junior at Columbus High School, has had a love for music as long as she can remember.
"Music is a big part of my life at home, at church and when I have a chance to share it in our community," Hobaugh said.
Katelyn has performed during the past year at the CHS Talent Show, the presentation of the Magnolia Belles during the Texas Live Oak Festival, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce July 4th Fireworks Display at Beason's Park, the Colorado County Fair Queens Pageant and the Colorado County Fair on the main stage on Saturday, Sept. 14 before Southbound 955 and Tracy Lawrence. Her brother, Chris, a freshmen at Texas A&M University in College Station, has performed along with her at a number of events.
Katelyn said she discovered her love for music when she started with the CHS band.
She was selected to be a drum major for the Cardinal band during the 2007 football season.
"As with most things, people you share something with make the difference," Hobaugh said. "The friends I have in the band and our band director Mr. Brugh, are the reasons I enjoy being a part of the band. I like working with the members of the band, marching on the field together and sharing in the leadership by being a drum major."
Katelyn mentioned that her favorite genres of music include country, pop, alternative, oldies and classical.
"Among the singers I admire most are Carrie Underwood, whose voice is perfect, and Jo Dee Messina," Katelyn said. "Also, as a musician, Elton John's talent is incredible."
"My favorite genre of music to sing is country and when I compose an original song, it is most likely suited to the country genre."
Katelyn said she enjoys writing music just as much as she enjoys performing in front of a crowd.
"I equally enjoy composing a song and performing in front of a crowd," Katelyn said. "Sharing music, entertaining people and feeling the exchange of energy is a lot of fun, but of course that depends on how nice the crowd is. Composing a song is like writing a short story and putting your thoughts out there for someone to feel."
Katelyn said that her favorite instrument to play is the piano.
"I have been playing it since I was five," Katelyn said. "On the piano, my hands can take over and express the mood of my thoughts. I really relate to a Victor Hugo quote, 'Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent.'"
Katelyn said she can express herself through her music and that there are times that when she plays the piano that it makes her feel that she has confided in a friend.
"I also enjoy playing my flute in the band and at church and I am an amateur at guitar and violin," Katelyn said. "I would like to get better at guitar right now and be able to play along with my brother Christopher."
Christopher, who was also a drum major in the CHS band while he attended high school, said he has always enjoyed listening to music, but his enjoyment of playing in front of a crowd is something that has grown as his ability to play has grown.
"I started taking piano lessons when I was 7 and I was not very thrilled about it as I was convinced it was a 'girl thing', since my older sister was taking lessons first," Chris said. "Sticking with those lessons turned out to be a great gift, though, because playing music on the piano with family or friends is a good time."
Chris added that he has really enjoyed learning how to play guitar during his high school years and likes the challenge of picking out complicated guitar riffs.
He said his music playing is more of a private thing and prefers playing at home and at church.
"My sister Katelyn, is so talented at music that she makes it fun to play and sing harmony with her," Chris said. "She is always the one helping me, teaching me the harmony parts so we play as a duo. Playing with someone like Katelyn can sure spoil you because she can hear so much of the music and sing right on pitch. So, I end up playing music along side of her and going places, with me on guitar and her on piano."
Former KNRG and KULM radio host Darrell Appelt, who has attended a number of Katelyn's performances, said she has come a long way since she has started and that her vocal style has become very polished.
"She is a pure singer," Appelt said.
Along with his radio work, Appelt has performed music as a drummer, singer and headed his own band for a while. He has been part of the music scene for the last two decades and has seen quite a bit of talent come through the area over the years.
"She really works on her craft," Appelt said. "That, along with songwriting makers her an all-around musician."
Columbus Chamber of Commerce Executive Director George Fox has observed Katelyn's musical talent for a number of years and looks forward to seeing how far it takes her.
"Having watched Katelyn for a number of years, I see a seed of intelligent approach to music which is an all-encompassing wizardry," Fox said. " She will undoubtedly reach great heights as a musician and the Chamber and the community will be very proud to have her represent us."
Katelyn said she would love to one day make her passion her career, but right now she has other goals that are a priority.
"To be a professional signer/songwriter in country music sounds like a dream because I would be doing what I love to do, but it is a really tough business and not all of it is pretty," Katelyn said. "For now, college will come first. Then maybe some day I will see where the music may take me."
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