advertisement

School looking for instruments to jump-start a jazz band

The poster circulating in the community is as cool as the music - three musicians in silhouette playing instruments that signify the unmistakable flair of jazz.

The image featuring a saxophonist, bass player and trumpeter is meant to draw attention to John T. Magee Middle School in Round Lake, which might be considered an unlikely source until you talk with music teacher Kyle Baltzer, who wants to start a jazz band at the Round Lake Area Unit District 116 school.

To spark the effort, Baltzer has started an instrument drive, with trumpets, trombones and saxophones on the wish list.

"I want to give them a different outlet, a different style," he said.

A jazz band can be much more visible in the community and perform at venues other than the typical concert band, he added.

"At the beginning of the year, I asked the students what they wanted from their band experience and many of them said they wanted to play more often, and jazz band gives them that chance," Baltzer said.

It would be a first for Magee, which opened seven years ago.

"We're excited to offer another opportunity for students after school," Magee Principal Christopher Murphy said.

There is a hurdle. Most of the ensemble would be playing instruments other than what they are trained on, and new instruments can cost $500 each. The added expense of buying or renting an instrument would be a stretch for many at a district, where about two-thirds of its 7,000 students qualify for free or reduced price lunches because they are from low-income families.

"I knew the kids were struggling to afford their first instruments," Baltzer said. About a week ago, he started an instrument drive, asking for donations preferably of trumpets, trombones and saxophones so students could participate.

"I said, `How can I make this free?'" he said.

So far, early returns have netted a corded electronic keyboard. The effort is young but has to move quickly to meet the goal of having an ensemble in place by March.

"The kids are super pumped," Baltzer said. "They've been on my case almost every day," he added.

One of the bigger boosters is Kendra Uden-Kreger, an eighth-grader who has been playing the clarinet for three years and looks forward to the challenge of playing a different style of music on a different instrument.

"I plan on playing the saxophone," she said. "I'm going to have to learn it."

The effort already has had success on another front as Baltzer received a $500 grant from the district for sheet music. Ten pieces have been selected, including Chicago's 1970 hit "25 or 6 to 4."

"It's easy enough to where the kids will know it and catch on pretty fast," Baltzer said.

Donated instruments can be dropped off at Magee, 500 N. Cedar Lake Road, or Round Lake High School, 800 N. High School Drive, Round Lake. Visit www.rlas-116.org, the district's Facebook page or contact kbaltzer@rlas-116.org.

  Music teacher Kyle Baltzer conducts students during band class while Ronny Barrios, left, and Kendra Uden-Kreger play clarinet Monday at John T. Magee Middle School in Round Lake. Baltzer started an instrument drive to start a jazz band. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com
  Eighth-graders Cassie Hansen, left, and Lili Hernandez play flutes as music teacher Kyle Baltzer leads students during class Monday at John T. Magee Middle School in Round Lake. Baltzer started an instrument drive to start a jazz band. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.