Kenny Baker of Naperville has an ear for music and hands that can make it sound sweet.
Baker, a senior at Naperville Central High School, has won state and national awards for his performances and is a leader in the school’s band. He plays several instruments and writes music.
“I got hooked on music when I was in 6th or 7th grade because it was another way that I could use a method of expression,” he said. “Everybody can talk or use body gestures.
“Music can get expression across. I wanted to learn how to do this wonderful thing.”
Baker, 17, is the senior drum major for the Naperville Central Marching Redhawks, where he helps lead 200 students. He has also been a member of the school’s Wind Ensemble, playing as the principal bass clarinet. He also plays piano and French horn.
“Kenny does an extraordinary job with his talents,” said Scott Silder, the school’s associate band director.
This summer at the NAACP’s national convention in Philadelphia, Baker won a gold medal in the composition category with a piece called “Pheasant Wedding Feast.”
In the summer of 2003, Baker also competed in the NAACP’s Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics. He won a bronze medal in the composition contest with “Dance of the Cheerful and the Wicked.”
Baker, who plans to study political science and economics in college, said he had no goals when he entered the contest for the second time.
“It was nice to see the recognition of my improvement over the last year,” he said.
