UNMC Off the Clock – nursing student moonlights as a songbird

It doesn’t take much imagination to envision first-year nursing student Katrina Schultz and her fellow members of the Omaha group, 3-2-1, on MTV or in front of thousands of screaming fans.

The pop soul group has become one of the more popular acts in Omaha but Schultz isn’t letting her singing success cloud her focus.

“We are talented people and I have the highest of hopes, but for me, education is first,” said Schultz, who was raised by musician parents in Lincoln. “I’m continuing school while I do sing on the side.”

UNMC nursing student Katrina Schultz, center, is part of the pop-soul trio, 3-2-1, which is one of the hottest acts in Omaha. Schultz and her bandmates, Nikki Butler, left, and Chrisna Clark, are currently recording their debut album. (Photo by Andrew J. Baran)

The group is composed of Schultz, Nikki Butler, a training consultant at a local bank, and Chrisna Clark, a fitness trainer and student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

They write their own songs and cover the likes of Alicia Keys and Michael Jackson. Aside from tight vocal harmonies, the group also features complex choreography.

Earlier this year, Butler and Clark were looking for a third singer to help form a trio when they heard Schultz singing with another band at an Omaha lounge.

Impressed by Schultz’s wide vocal range, they asked if she’d be interested in joining their group, which she was.

After months of practice, they played their first gig in June and have been in demand at Omaha’s more upscale lounges and night clubs ever since.

They now have a manager and are writing and recording their first album, which they hope to release next year.

3-2-1 online To see more about 3-2-1, visit the band’s Web site.

“We’re trying to make it more of an upbeat dance album that people really want to listen to,” Schultz said.

And while the idea of playing music for a career is intriguing, Schultz is focused on her school work at UNMC.

Having worked as a certified personal trainer before nursing school, Schultz said her studies allow her to pursue a career that lets her engage in some of her other passions, such as health and wellness and helping others.

“If something bigger were to come from the music, I would welcome that, but I’m not counting on it,” Schultz said. “I understand the odds of that happening and I know it’s important that I focus on my education.”