Bill Kautz, Sentinel’s new community liaison, has quickly become loved by students and teachers alike. Having an empathetic personality, it is obvious that Mr. Kautz truly cares about what happens to those around him. One student, senior Miranda Hart, who has had numerous interactions with him says; “I really like Mr. Kautz because he is very welcoming and friendly” which appears to be a common reaction among students who have met him.
As a community liaison, Mr. Kautz is responsible for providing aid to students who need it. Kautz says that help can come in many different forms. “My gig is to make sure you have what you need, and if I don’t have something, I’ll find a way to get it.”
It could be school supplies, clothes, or even shoes if students need them. “I’m here for you,” says Kautz, “Whatever you need to make your life successful and feel good at Sentinel I want to be able to help you do that”.
This, however, doesn’t just stand for Sentinel students, but for their families as well. “I can also connect families to resources in the community for food or housing support.”
Mr. Kautz became focused in this field of work because he is deeply interested in helping and supporting younger teens in their journey through life. “Being a part of public schools is very meaningful work for me,” he says. In 2013, he originally worked as a high school counselor, until he halted his career in 2016 and became a stay-at-home dad for nine years. However, being a resource to students had always stuck in the back of his mind, so when the opportunity for the position opened up at Sentinel he took it.
A very important interest to Mr. Katz is his family. He finds it extremely important to be there for them and participate in their lives.
One of Kautz’ other passions is trumpet. He frequently teaches private lessons to students who are learning not only trumpet, but even occasionally trombone.
Kautz has actually been a part of the Sentinel community for a long time. In past years, he has occasionally accompanied a grateful Mr. Nelson – the Sentinel Band director – in teaching both the Symphonic and Concert bands their parts and new skills.
Kautz also created Golden Mean, an ensemble inspired by classical and jazz music. It features numerous people and instruments. Having a bass, violin, drum set, marimba and with himself on cornet and trumpet.
Kautz not only started Golden Mean, but he also personally writes the eclectic music himself. When writing his songs, Kautz writes a melody, then allows for free improvisation within the band.
Many of his songs have personal meaning to Kautz. One song, “And the light from which you came is now the [love] work we must do” is a four-part suite inspired by the passing away of his son, Sterling Kautz. Writing the suite was no easy feat: “It was really hard, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done”. This was a way for him to process his grief as well as highlight the fact that his family is still motivated and inspired by Sterling.
The song, “Mother”, is written for Kautz’s mother. Kautz composed it in appreciation for her part in raising him and while also showing how difficult it was with all of her health challenges. The song also has other important significance in his life as well. “It has also taken a deeper meaning with my wife, who is the mother of our children”.
Another song, “Young Man”, is about a former student of Kautz’s who passed away after being shot.
Other songs of Kautz’s have no specific inspiration at all, some are just called “Untitled One” or “Number One”, which makes the writing process easier for him.
Along with his band, Kautz hosts a radio show on Monday nights from 8:00 to 10:00 on KBGA 89.9 FM. On the show, he plays creative, improvised and modern classical music. Along with that, he occasionally interviews musicians. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was easy to find artists to interview because of the surplus of free time for many musicians. However, nowadays many artists have tours or performances that make it complicated for Kautz to have a discussion with them.
Katuz can be found by the library in Sentinel’s main building, Room 237, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, Tuesday through Friday. Students can communicate with him for any support they might need. “I will always do my best to serve students’ needs, and to figure out what they need. There may be times I don’t know the answer, but I’ll figure it out and I’ll ask people who do know the answer.”
