Musician of the Month: Kaylee Lino

Growing up in a musical family is no easy feat, but Kaylee Lino has taken it all in stride. Kaylee is the daughter of William Lino and the granddaughter of Linda Whitehead, former Director of Music Programs for Falmouth Schools, who was also her music teacher in elementary school. Kaylee is also the niece of a professional trumpet player and professor in Colorado.

FHS Band Director Steven Edwards has selected Kaylee for the Musician of the Month honor.

Kaylee is a senior at and plays cello, trumpet, and also sings. Her participation in the various music ensembles has included chamber orchestra, symphony band, wind ensemble, repertory singers, and a major part in two of the FHS musicals.

Beginning cello at the age of six, Kaylee has continued taking lessons ever since. Playing trumpet in the FHS wind ensemble, however, is where she can demonstrate her expertise. She has been interested in music all of her life (or, at least, for as long as she can remember).

Performing before an audience is the part of music instruction that Kaylee enjoys the most because she delights in seeing the reaction of the audience. As with many other students, performing is still nerve-racking for her at times, because her heart and her thoughts tend to race. 

“When I am calm and confident during a performance, I love it,” explains Kaylee. 

The thirteen hours per week spent in either practice or rehearsal prepare her to maintain composure on the stage. Since her sophomore year, Kaylee has traveled every Saturday to Boston to the New England Conservatory of Music Preparatory School to rehearse and perform in two orchestras. And since seventh grade, she has been a member of the Falmouth Town Band and Town Band Brass Choir. With all of these experiences, Kaylee is sure that music will have a part in her future.

In addition to being a member of the National Honor Society, the TRI-M National Music Honor Society, and the National Mathematics Honor Society, where she dedicates many hours of volunteer work, Kaylee has played soccer for FHS all of her high school years, as well as travel soccer during the spring. Throughout the year, Kaylee also figure skates with the Falmouth Figure Skating Club.

As a scholar, musician, mathematician, and athlete, these achievements will enrich her application for college. Undecided about a major just yet, Kaylee does know for sure that she will minor in music.

Although constant funding would be her wish for the entire band program so that students could participate in more competitions and music festivals, Kaylee says she would not change a thing about the band program. 

“It’s a great thing to have band during the school day. There are many ways to reach out to the community with the band program as well,” she says.

Kaylee’s best memories are from the competition festivals in which she has taken part, especially the All New England Orchestra. “They are fantastic experiences," she says.

Whatever college Kaylee chooses, or whether she majors or minors in music studies, Kaylee Lino will bring the same wealth of experience, knowledge, and humanity to that opportunity as she has provided to the Falmouth High School music program. She is a credit to her family, her teachers, and to her community.