Kai Faucher, 6 toes 6 and 280 kilos, is pulling off the rarest of doubles. On Friday nights, he’s a standout offensive and defensive lineman for Studio Metropolis Harvard-Westlake Excessive. Three or 4 instances a 12 months, he’s additionally taking part in the baritone saxophone in school concert events.
“Kai stands out in any crowd,” mentioned Terry Barnum, head of athletics at Harvard-Westlake. “He seems to be like the opposite college students, simply thrice greater. We order an additional massive chair for him.”
Dedicated to Brown for soccer, Faucher has made jazz a part of his life since his seventh-grade band instructor prompt he swap from symphony to jazz as a result of “you’re too good.”
“It was extra improvisational nature than classical music, so I acquired into it taking part in numerous acts,” he mentioned. “I fell in love with music.”
As many as 5 hours per week, he’ll follow his music at residence in preparation for concert events, the place he joins 19 different band members because the solo saxophone participant. He’s prepping for a December live performance. The self-discipline discovered from soccer helps with music, equivalent to staying centered in maintaining good time when he’s about to enter along with his saxophone.
Harvard-Westlake’s lecturers are difficult sufficient for college kids, however coaches aren’t afraid to encourage creating further pursuits, equivalent to appearing, robotics, music, singing and dancing.
“I feel lots of instances soccer gamers are depicted as children who aren’t artistic,” Faucher mentioned. “It’s outdated stereotypes. Now it’s good that athletes aren’t simply showcasing their athletic talents but additionally their artistic and inventive minds.”
Mentioned coach Aaron Huerta: “I inform the children I need them to do different issues. It’s nice for them, but it surely means there’s extra obligations and it’s going to be tougher.”
Faucher enjoys the prospect to be an influencer in two fully completely different endeavors.
“I hope I've a presence and my very own really feel and persona once I play and paint my very own image as a participant and as a soloist,” he mentioned.
In soccer, he has helped the Wolverines (5-3) transfer to inside one win of clinching a Southern Part playoff berth.
“He’s our offensive and defensive chief,” Huerta mentioned. “He will get our guys going day by day. He works with our younger guys. The largest factor is his demand for effort from different guys. He’s one other coach. We’ve received 5 of the final six video games and we’re going to throw the ball greater than run due to him.”
Faucher had an fascinating expertise as school recruiters tried to impress him.
“Not too many recruiters know a lot about jazz however the ones who do I truly had nice conversations with,” he mentioned. “The UC Davis coach, we sang jazz forwards and backwards.”
Regardless of what number of pancake blocks Faucher will get in soccer, that surroundings of taking part in the saxophone is one thing he intends to savor.
“Jazz will likely be a part of my life lengthy after soccer,” he mentioned.
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