Baker’s Big Band

RCHS Senior’s Recital Features 20-Piece Ensemble

As a senior, ending your high school career can be intimidating. One RCHS senior, James Baker, is going above and beyond as he closes out his time as a student.

Baker is an active musician in Rockbridge County. Starting in fifth grade, Baker began playing the saxophone. Shortly thereafter, he found a new genre of music he fell in love with.

“It was not until the sixth grade that I began playing jazz,” said Baker.

Jazz has been an outlet for Baker, allowing him to express his musical creativity.

“Music, particularly jazz, has impacted almost every part of my life. In addition to being a high priority and major time commitment, it has provided me opportunities,” said Baker. “I have used music to find a medium to compete, to express myself, and as an opportunity to help others.”

RCHS band teacher Miranda Fitzgerald has been teaching Baker for four years. She is guiding Baker along his journey to becoming a future musician instructor.

“I have absolutely seen him grow as a musician,” said Fitzgerald. “I see him the most excited when he is sharing music with his peers.”

Additionally, Baker has made countless friends and connections across Virginia (and even a few outside of the state) that will continue to benefit and support him past his time in high school.

By using these connections, Baker has been able to pull together a 20-person big band that will be accompanying him when he presents his senior recital.

“Senior recitals are a standard practice for people who either plan to study music or have studied for a long time. However, the idea for mine in particular started in 10th grade, where I stumbled on a few songs I wanted to play,” said Baker. “I had listened to these songs endlessly, but our school band was not advanced enough to play them. I wanted to get a group together to play those songs.”

Baker’s Big Band includes high school band directors, middle school band directors, college students from Virginia Military Institute and Bridgewater, musical professionals, and high school students.

“James’ future is incredibly bright. What is so interesting about James is that he is already a fantastic musician, but he has grown more and more intrigued about the process of teaching and sharing music with his peers,” said Fitzgerald. “While I know his playing will continue to excel, I am most excited to see him in his journey to becoming a future educator.”

Baker’s recital is being held at Lexington Presbyterian Church this Saturday, April 13, at 7 p.m. For more information, visit the RCHS website at https://www.rockbridge. k12.va.us/RCHS.