Listening to the sweet chime and rhythm of his saxophone, children at Chico’s Rosedale Elementary after school program sat with open mouths and open ears, anxious to hear the next tune.

The man behind the saxophone was fourth year Chico State student Adam Walter.

Giving back to the community is something he has a real talent for, musically and

personally.

Accompanied by fellow Chico State band member Nate Strock on bass guitar, the small gym was lit up with a classy selection of upbeat jazz melodies.

There was no reason needed other than the sweet satisfaction of showing the children what years of hard work and practice have helped Walter develop his craft and as a person.

“Music has influenced how I view life,” Walter explained to the children. “Interacting with other people through music has opened my mind to new possibilities.”

Walter said he plays his tenor and alto saxophones whenever he gets the chance. Practicing at any moment available to strengthen his skills is something he takes great pride in.

His dedication within the music program at Chico State has given him opportunities to play for bands such as the Midnight Six Jazz Combo, Chico State’s Jazz Express, The TuMadre’s Horn Section, Chico State’s Wind Ensemble, and pep band for the men’s basketball games.

As a professor, mentor, and friend to Walter, Rocky Winslow believes his student is a very talented musician who has the opportunity to make a successful living playing music.

“He stands out over all the other students with his music vision,” said Winslow. “He can see with his ears better than I do.”

Growing up in Saratoga, Walter developed his taste in music, especially jazz from his father, Dale. His parents would push him to practice, giving encouragement and paying for lessons and instruments.

“When I play, people don’t understand the commitment,” said Walter. “There is a lot of behind the scenes people don’t know about. It takes up a lot of time.”

With his music major and environmental studies minor, Walter rarely gets to go home and relax. He works part time at the Associated Students Recycling Center and bottles beer for Butte Creek Brewing Company. He plays with his bands every night, doing shows at Chico restaurants such as 33 Steaks, Booze and Jazz, The Black Crow, Left Coast Pizza and Duffy’s.

“He is never home,” said roommate Reid Griggs. “When he is home we usually play (music) together or talk about conspiracy theories.”

This upcoming weekend is very special for Walter, as the Chico State Jazz Express will be playing with professional tenor saxophonist John Gunther, a prominent New York jazz musician. Gunther also plays clarinet, flute and is a talented composer.

Gunther is known for his success in cities such as Boston, New York and Los Angeles, and is good friends with Winslow.

The chance for Walter to play with Gunther is courtesy of his mentor, Winslow.

“Chico is a great place to practice music,” said Winslow. “Adam should stay at Chico State and look toward his master’s.”

Such credentials sound appealing to Walter, as one day he wishes to write original music and tour across the United States with a band.

The hours of practice and concise precision of playing his saxophones takes time away from him helping out with environmental projects, for which he has a passion.

Walter strives to make the world better at any cost, whether it be filling the air with his symphonic melodies or discussing the community’s well-being.

Music is a big influence on Walter’s life, but he knows he has a lot more to learn and realizes he should never be satisfied with the level of his playing.

“I can’t see myself doing anything else but play music,” said Walter.

Usually when Walter plays “gigs” outside of Chico State such as performances at 33 Steaks, Booze and Jazz, Left Coast Pizza, The Black Crow and Duffy’s, he gets paid.

He played for the students at Rosedale Elementary for free, taking his time away from his classes and busy schedule to “spread the joy of music through jazz.”