The power of music

Politzer hopes his visit will inspire students

By Jennifer Eisenbart

Staff Writer

For a musician with one of the most famous soul groups, Tower of Power, it’s hard to believe that lead tenor saxophonist Tom Politzer had to be convinced to try the instrument.

Starting at the age of 10, Politzer played clarinet until his junior year of high school, when a friend recruited him to play the baritone saxophone in the school’s jazz band.

“He convinced me by playing all these great baritone sax players, and the last thing he played was Tower of Power,” explained Politzer. For the clarinet player-turned-saxophonist, Tower of Power was a local band, given he grew up in Palo Alto, Calif.

“There’s a lot of music happening there, still is,” said Politzer. “A very creative environment.”

Now Politzer is adding his own name to that list. After leaving home to start his journey as a performer – playing with a group that performed for a circus under the big top – Politzer found his home 11 years ago when he was invited to audition for Tower of Power.

“Shortly after joining the jazz band, I went up to hear Tower of Power,” recalled Politzer on recently, after participating in clinics with various Burlington Area School District students and playing a lunch concert at Burlington High School.

“I stood up in front of them, and thought, ‘This must be the greatest.’”

The role was reversed 11 years ago, on the day Politzer signed his contract with Tower of Power. Relaxing for the first time on stage after two weeks of learning music and settling in with the group, he saw a young man at a concert, intently watching him play the saxophone.

“I had this sense of déjà vu,” Politzer explained.

Politzer is the second example of a sax success story that BHS Band Director Ron Pedersen has worked to bring to Burlington. The other, of course, is Jeff Coffin, lead saxophone player for the Dave Matthews Band.

While Coffin has visited the school district three times in the last three years, this was the first time Pedersen had been able to make a visit with Politzer work.

Getting a chance to work with students, Politzer said, hits at the heart of music.

“I just think education is really important,” he said. “Keeping music alive in the schools is extremely important.”

While playing with Tower of Power is a dream come true, Politzer said there are other dreams he hopes to fulfill. One of those dreams is to start some sort of after-school music program in San Ramon, Calif. – the place he now calls home.

He wants students to enjoy performing, and teach them how to play music. Having done clinics and worked as a private instructor as well, he thinks youngsters need that push.

“If I can even inspire just one or two kids to embrace music or learn more about music…” he said.  “I’m not here to turn kids into professional musicians. But I like to let them know it’s possible.

“You never know what will be that catalyst.”