The sweet strum of a guitar, the resonant pound of drums and the melodic breath through the brass of a euphonium — this instrumental blend might seem like a task for an orchestra, but for Silas Baltzell (10), it’s a one-man show.
Baltzell, a musician and producer, discovered his talent after joining the school band. Now, he devotes much of his free time to mastering various instrumental techniques.
“I first started playing the euphonium and tuba in fifth grade and I kind of fell in love with it,” Baltzell said. “I picked up the guitar and drums in 2022 because I wanted to learn how to play all my favorite songs.”
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Silas Baltzell (10) plays the tuba, jazz guitar, electric guitar and drums in the band room. In addition, Baltzell has also been producing his own music for a year. Being immersed in music doubles as a form of therapy for Baltzell. “If I’m ever not having a good week, I can always listen to music [and] know that I’m not alone with whatever I’m going through,” Baltzell said. “Finding music that helps you feel identified and validated for what you’re going through really helps.”
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Silas Baltzell (10) plays the tuba, jazz guitar, electric guitar and drums in the band room. In addition, Baltzell has also been producing his own music for a year. Being immersed in music doubles as a form of therapy for Baltzell. “If I’m ever not having a good week, I can always listen to music [and] know that I’m not alone with whatever I’m going through,” Baltzell said. “Finding music that helps you feel identified and validated for what you’re going through really helps.”
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Silas Baltzell (10) plays the tuba, jazz guitar, electric guitar and drums in the band room. In addition, Baltzell has also been producing his own music for a year. Being immersed in music doubles as a form of therapy for Baltzell. “If I’m ever not having a good week, I can always listen to music [and] know that I’m not alone with whatever I’m going through,” Baltzell said. “Finding music that helps you feel identified and validated for what you’re going through really helps.”
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Silas Baltzell (10) plays the tuba, jazz guitar, electric guitar and drums in the band room. In addition, Baltzell has also been producing his own music for a year. Being immersed in music doubles as a form of therapy for Baltzell. “If I’m ever not having a good week, I can always listen to music [and] know that I’m not alone with whatever I’m going through,” Baltzell said. “Finding music that helps you feel identified and validated for what you’re going through really helps.”
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Silas Baltzell (10) plays the tuba, jazz guitar, electric guitar and drums in the band room. In addition, Baltzell has also been producing his own music for a year. Being immersed in music doubles as a form of therapy for Baltzell. “If I’m ever not having a good week, I can always listen to music [and] know that I’m not alone with whatever I’m going through,” Baltzell said. “Finding music that helps you feel identified and validated for what you’re going through really helps.”
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Silas Baltzell (10) plays the tuba, jazz guitar, electric guitar and drums in the band room. In addition, Baltzell has also been producing his own music for a year. Being immersed in music doubles as a form of therapy for Baltzell. “If I’m ever not having a good week, I can always listen to music [and] know that I’m not alone with whatever I’m going through,” Baltzell said. “Finding music that helps you feel identified and validated for what you’re going through really helps.”
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Silas Baltzell (10) plays the tuba, jazz guitar, electric guitar and drums in the band room. In addition, Baltzell has also been producing his own music for a year. Being immersed in music doubles as a form of therapy for Baltzell. “If I’m ever not having a good week, I can always listen to music [and] know that I’m not alone with whatever I’m going through,” Baltzell said. “Finding music that helps you feel identified and validated for what you’re going through really helps.”
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Silas Baltzell (10) plays the tuba, jazz guitar, electric guitar and drums in the band room. In addition, Baltzell has also been producing his own music for a year. Being immersed in music doubles as a form of therapy for Baltzell. “If I’m ever not having a good week, I can always listen to music [and] know that I’m not alone with whatever I’m going through,” Baltzell said. “Finding music that helps you feel identified and validated for what you’re going through really helps.”
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Silas Baltzell (10) plays the tuba, jazz guitar, electric guitar and drums in the band room. In addition, Baltzell has also been producing his own music for a year. Being immersed in music doubles as a form of therapy for Baltzell. “If I’m ever not having a good week, I can always listen to music [and] know that I’m not alone with whatever I’m going through,” Baltzell said. “Finding music that helps you feel identified and validated for what you’re going through really helps.”
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Baltzell began producing music at 15. With skills in strings, percussion and aerophones, he is able to achieve a diverse soundscape.
“I feel like it’s more productive to make my own music than someone else’s,” Baltzell said. “You can get creative because you can pull things from different artists to make your own blend of sound.”
Besides well-known artists, Baltzell also seeks inspiration from his dad, a musical producer himself.
“I’ve grown up hearing my dad make music,” Baltzell said. “The fact that he is able to help me with it makes me feel so much more confident in my abilities.”
Even with assistance from his dad, the process of producing music is not without its challenges.
“Having to deal with things like writer’s block is never easy,” Baltzell said. “It’s pretty similar to writing an essay [because] you have to follow a structure; like intro, verse [and] chorus.”
The dedication that Baltzell has does not go unnoticed. Band teacher Aaron Lehde appreciates his enthusiasm from an instructor standpoint.
This pursuit of music is more than just a hobby; it has forged an unbreakable bond between Baltzell and his dad.
“We go to concerts, listen to music in the car [and] share our favorite artists,” Baltzell said. “It brings us together without needing anything super crazy.”
William Napier (10), a friend of Baltzell’s, has witnessed Baltzell’s talent and love for music.
“He spends most of his day in school and outside of school either listening to or creating music,” Napier said. “He is the most talented artist I’ve ever met.”
This connection to music goes beyond just playing. For Baltzell, it’s a form of personal expression.
“I view instruments as an extension of myself,” Baltzell said. “I find music that helps me feel identified and validated for what I’m going through.”
Despite the ever-changing landscape of music, Baltzell sees it as a part of his life for the long run and a deciding factor in the roadmap of his future.
“I’d like to be in a band or be a solo artist or producer,” Baltzell said. “I want my music to speak on who I am, and I want to share that with the world.”
![English teacher Cheryl Ogolin stands in front of her kickboxing class as she leads a workout. Ogolin has been kickboxing for over 12 years. “[The class] is about me, the instructor, looking out and seeing what my participants are doing,” Ogolin said. “I give them real, live feedback, but also coach them through the move.” (Photo by Lathan Levy)](https://laduepublications.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-02-at-11.02.28 AM-1200x800.png)
