BY ADRIANA TRAFFICANTE
      Boardman Bugle
      Nicholas Sainato was once roaming the halls of this very high school; and now he roams the streets of Nashville, Tenn. where he pursues his musical dreams.
      Boardman High School is indeed known for its fantastic performing arts program, but how could it bring somebody from the band room to the recording studio?
      I reached out to the 2006 graduate of Boardman High School---now drummer, producer, and songwriter for the band, Nightly, seeking an answer to this question.
      Sainato’s musical career began inside the walls of Boardman’s own Performing Arts Center. Performing in many music programs such as drumline in marching band, Jazz 1 and Symphonic Band, the experiences he became involved in at Boardman have really helped Sainato get to where he is now.
      “I think there were so many opportunities at Boardman; it gave you a lot of chances to try different things and see what you enjoy,” Sainato said.
      He explained how students he spent his high school years with inspired him to prosper in his music career and described “The talent pool at Boardman in music has always been ‘super great’ and inspiring, and pushes you to be a better musician.”
      Along with the students, he was also inspired by multiple teachers who led him along the path to his successful future in the music industry.
      In regard to BHS staff members, Sainato noted that “Mr. Tom Ruggieri (high school band director) and Mrs. Randy Nord (English teacher) were the two teachers that I felt inspired me and encouraged me to pursue music, or even just pursue a passion in general. They were always so supportive of in school accomplishments as well as outside accomplishments.”
      When asked what he would like to share with current high school students interested in pursuing a career in the arts, he advised, “Take advantage of all of the opportunities that Boardman has and be a part of as many ensembles, groups, and bands as possible. Also, take advantage of what your teachers have to offer. They are there to help you, and if you show interest and excitement in it, they are going to be way more willing to help.”
      Sainato was also involved in music outside of the school building during his high school years.
      He started a band with his friends to fill his time after hours.
      “My band that I had with my friends outside of school is what really pushed me into doing what I do now. We always did as many battle of the bands as we could, and ended up winning a bunch of money, gear, and recording time in studios which made me want to get into producing my own music.”
      His advice to current BHS students---“Be active in performing arts outside of school, whether it’s starting a band with your friends or joining a community ensemble/program, and spend as much time as possible into getting better while you’re in school.”
      Continuing in his passion for music, Sainato went to Youngstown State University where he
      studied and graduated with a music degree in Jazz Performance. He also attended Berklee College of
      Music in Boston along with Musicians Institute in Los Angeles.
      When asked how his college education assisted him in his career, Sainato responded, “School just helped me hone in my skills as a musician and gave me confidence in myself.”
      His years after high school and through college led him now to Nashville.
      Elaborating on his journey around the country, he stated that he lived in Los Angeles for a year before moving to Nashville in 2014, where professional career really began to take off.
      He commented about how once he moved to Nashville, he “started playing in a bunch of bands and also with different country artists.” He recalls that he met the lead singer of his band at church, where they became friends. He asked Sainato to join a band that he and his cousin were starting, and that is how he got into his current job.
      Traveling from Boardman to Los Angeles, he finally landed in Nashville, Tennessee, where he
      currently pursues a professional career in music. Sainato takes the role of the drummer in his band along with producing and songwriting.
      Sainato describes some of the most exciting opportunities and experiences he’s had since pursuing a professional career in music.
      He said that some of these had recently consisted of “touring with some awesome artists and friends like NF, the Band Camino, Lennon Stella, and Andy Grammer, as well as playing at music festivals like Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits and Hangout Fest.”
      Sainato was also asked about the future of his career, and while Covid 19 had a huge effect on the performing arts industry, he said “I’m just excited to continue to grow as an artist and songwriter and keep making music I enjoy, as well as finally being able to go back on tour.
      “I grew up listening to so many different bands and artists that I loved, and it’s the only thing I really wanted to do.
      “No matter what anyone tells you or how hard people may make it seem, anything is possible if it’s what you really want to do, and only you can make that happen. Just keep doing what you love, and everything will fall into place.”
     
      This article was written by Adriana Trafficante, reporter, of the Boardman High School newspaper, The Bugle. The Boardman News will periodically highlight stories from The Bugle, to highlight high school journalism.