Spotlight on the Arts: Zach Storaasli
Zach Storaasli is a senior at Noxon High School.
“Spotlight on the Arts” by The Paradise Center honors and encourages students in the arts by highlighting their talent and acknowledging the support they receive through their schools and teachers.
Music is generally something we appreciate, enjoy, and value. For most of us, the relationship between each of us and music is a choice we make. For a very few of us, music is literally a part of who we are, something that we cannot deny, an intrinsic need that nothing else can satisfy. That is certainly the case for Zach Storaasli. From a very young age he realized the connection he had with music, and he treasures it every day. His instrument preference is drums although he can also play guitar.
As a senior at Noxon High School, at 18 years of age, he has been and continues to be influenced by some notable bands, including but not limited to: Testament, Slaves, Mesoglea and bands that have included Gene Hoglan, acclaimed for his creativity in drum arrangements. Given the number of bands that have had an influence on Storaasli, he says there is not a “best” band in his judgment – just “different” bands, each with something unique and special to offer.
Storaasli’s affiliation to music has two components. Obviously, the sounds produced by the drums are mesmerizing, and experimenting with those sounds provides a sense of inspiration and accomplishment. In addition, he has a physical connection to the drums, so his own movements are part of the challenge and the choreography that brings the music and the movements into a synergy that is unparalleled with other musical instruments.
Storaasli has been accepted by the University of Montana and plans to major in Environmental Management. He plans to purchase a personal drum set, with some additions to what is available at school (an additional cymbal and kick drum) and reserve his evenings for his music. He is also interested in the University’s Marching Band. His love of music does not depend on the participation of others - he seems content to play solo and be fully immersed in the music.