His fingers, slender and agile, dance across the piano keys with a grace captivating all who listen. The melody weaves through the air like a whispering ghost, each note echoing throughout the school. He sways to the rhythm, lost in the world of song, and the music fills the crowd with bliss. All crowd-induced anxiety is forgotten as he plays his sweet, soulful serenade.
At St. Louis High School, Skylar DuBois-Kleinhans is the one and only piano player for the jazz band.
Skylar is a junior at SLHS and has been playing piano for two years. He is a very talented pianist; however, even though he is gratefully skilled he still has his challenges to face with the instrument.
“Some of the challenges are playing the right notes, dynamics, pressing the keys, and going with the flow of everyone else in the band. I am learning day by day which is making me very attached to it so it’s not something I plan to quit any time soon,” Skylar exclaims. “Although I would say that these are the problems I am facing, hard and hearing is the one I’m facing the most out of all of them.”
Even though Skylar has his challenges to face, his peers think he is astonishing. Elliot Carter states, “I think his playing brings a much needed role into the band. He is a much-needed instrument and player.”
Skylar goes on to elaborate on his fondness for the instrument. He describes how he was enraptured by the instrument because some of his favorite song artists and songwriters used it in their pieces. “The piano is such a cool instrument. I felt really interested in it because of the musicians that have inspired me throughout my youth and current years,” he states.
Skylar then finishes by describing his pursuit of music, “I plan on going into the music industry, writing lyrics, stuff like that and the piano really fits into it. I mean my goal in life is to learn and play every single instrument I can learn. Music is my favorite hobby and I enjoy it with a passion.”
In a world where everyone is rushing from one place to another, his music offers a moment of pause. His dedication to the piano showcases his talent and is an opportunity to inspire those around him. Whether in a grand concert hall or a school auditorium, his piano playing is a reminder of the beauty that can be found in dedication for the love of music.
