In the past, BHS has had a few different guitar class teachers. Last year Katie Jacobsen claimed the job just last and has decided to stay this year as well.

“Before Baldwin, I was attending KU to get my degree in music education,” Jacobsen said. “I actually applied for this position while student teaching with Mrs. Buffum, the choir teacher. It has been awesome to work with such amazing colleagues and wonderful students!”

Jacobsen teaches the beginning guitar class here in Baldwin teaching students who have never played guitar before.

“The guitar is just a really fun instrument.” Jacobsen said, “I love seeing the lightbulb moments of students when they get something, whether that be a musical concept or something pertaining specifically to the guitar itself. It is awesome watching students grow over the course of the semester, especially when they come in knowing nothing and leave having the tools to continue learning the guitar however they wish. It is very rewarding.”

Jacobsen has a lot of experience playing the guitar and can even sing while playing at the same time.

“I have played the guitar for about 3 years now, 1 year longer than I have been teaching,” Jacobsen said. “I like to play chords while I sing. They’re typically not very complicated and I enjoy the simplicity of acoustical music.”

Jacobsen also genuinely enjoys teaching in Baldwin and helping kids learn about the guitar.

“I love Baldwin. I really enjoy the sense of community and how hardworking the students are,” Jacobsen said. “It’s also fun working at both the Intermediate Center and the High School because in a few short years, I will know the majority of the students and will be able to see their growth as musicians and as students. I look forward to that.”

Not only does jacobsen like the students, the students also like her and her teaching methods according to sophomore Ty Harris.

“I think she is a great teacher who makes good connections with the students,” Harris said.