MUSIC TEACHER ON A ROLL JAZZMAN KEY FIGURE IN 2 NATIONAL GROUPS.

Byline: Daily News

SANTA CLARITA - A Valencia High School music instructor has been named liaison between the California Music Educators Association and the International Association for Jazz Education.

Bob Babko, an instrumental instructor since 1994, will be writing for journals and newsletters of both associations as well as planning workshops, performances and clinics for annual meetings.

``There are so many great things going on that I joined,'' he said. ``They are very professional and I believe in what they are doing. They do a good job of it.''

Babko became interested in the professional groups in the late 1980s after his son was named to an all-star band and performed at the California association's convention in San Diego.

Babko, known for the jazz festival he has organized for six years at Valencia High School, caught the attention of music educators after a concert featuring 41 bands drew top adjudicators - half professional musicians and half educators.

The California Music Educators group represents all kinds of music educators, from classical to vocal to jazz. Babko represents the organization's jazz focus to the international organization.

Babko teaches all instrumental music classes at Valencia High, including band, jazz band, concert band, guitar and music theory.

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