Fine Arts Student of the Week: Jensen is musical leader

Travis Jensen

Grade: Senior.

Age: 18.

Art focus: Brainerd High School Wind Symphony.

Adviser nomination: "Travis is an outstanding leader in Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble 1. His musicianship and positive attitude are critical to the success of the ensembles in which he plays."

Memorable fine arts achievement: "Playing at the Mid-Minnesota Educator's Association mid winter clinic in February of 2016 in Minneapolis."

Artist most admired: Saxophonist Gerry Mulligan.

Other fine arts activities: Jazz Ensemble I, Advanced Placement Music Theory and pep band.

Which instrument do you play and why: "I originally started playing the saxophone in sixth grade. Then in seventh grade, the band directors asked if I wanted to play the baritone saxophone, so I gave it a go. I like the deep rich sound it has. It was easier to play than the alto saxophone, which is not a whole lot different, besides the size. The baritone requires a lot more air."

Hardest piece to learn: "I performed 'Andante et Scherzo,' it was with the saxophone quartet I played in last year. We performed it for the solo and ensemble contest last year and got a 39 out of 40, which is a superior rating. We also played it at the grand march for prom, senior recital, scholarship nights and other school events.

"It was very complex, changing meter (rhythmic structure) was very difficult to piece together. Each person had a unique part and it came together like a puzzle and we had to flow through the piece."

How does it make you feel when playing it: "I feel really relaxed when I am playing. When you have so many things in life, it's nice to focus on music. I enjoy making music with a bunch of people and it is a good stress reliever, especially with all the college stuff."

Do you plan to continue playing after high school: "I plan to play for North Dakota State University's band. I am going into the medical field in optometry. The college encourages students to do an extra curricular to help with stress; band will do that for me."

Dream job: "I would like to be a director at a high school."

Other instruments: "For the first time I picked up a flute, learning to play it. I learned how to play the clarinet and I can play any saxophone there is."

Your strongest skill: "Leadership. If something is not right around me I will talk to people and we will fix it. Students look up to me. Last week when Mr. Fogderud was gone, I led our jazz band and also have led the pep band. I definitely like to help out."

Favorite TV show: "Cheers."

Favorite book: "Life of Pi."

Favorite subject: Jazz Ensemble I.

Favorite movie: "Star Wars Episode VI."

Favorite song: "Africa" by Toto.

Clubs: Robotics, Interact Club and Student Council.

Best meal: "Swedish meatballs. My mom makes them."

Biggest pet peeve: "I don't like when people are lazy."

Future Fishing Trip: "I'd like to go up to the boundary waters to go camping and fishing. That would be fun."

Parents: Sandy and Bruce Jensen of Baxter.

Honorable mention: Josiah Wood, junior, mock trial: "Josiah plays a witness on the Mock Trial Team. He portrays Ricky Silver, 72, who is a hard of hearing music teacher. He made it so authentic he earned nines and 10s from the judges at the Region Finals Trial on Feb. 16.

We won the trial and mock trial is going to the state tournament. Josiah was exceptional in his performance."