Jonathan Edward Bintz of Albany, a vibrant musician and teacher, died on the morning of Friday, July 2, 2021 at Albany Medical Center. He was 28.

Born on Nov. 24, 1992 at Albany Medical Center, he was the youngest of three siblings with two older sisters. “From an early age, he loved to learn, explore, celebrate, bring joy, and above all make music,” his family wrote in a tribute.

“He graduated with honors from Guilderland Central High School in 2011. As a student, Jonathan participated in several seasonal athletic programs (baseball, golf, Ultimate Frisbee). He was an advanced scholar in academics, and performed in a multitude of musical ensembles, competitions, clubs, organizations and festivals.

“He was a vibrant and virtuosic performer on low brass instruments, piano, and the bass guitar. He chose the bass trombone as his principal instrument of study and went on to build performance skills in virtually all orchestral instrumental families.

He earned dual undergraduate degrees at the Crane School of Music at the State University of New York at Potsdam in 2015. “He was heavily involved in symphonic orchestras and bands, wind and cultural ensembles, chamber groups, live bands on-campus and in the local community,” his family wrote. “He developed skills as a conductor, composer, theorist, and educator and graduated summa cum laude with bachelor’s degrees in both music performance and music education.

“He continued his higher education at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music earning a full scholarship as a performance major and an assistantship position in the department. Jonathan graduated summa cum laude in 2017 with a masters of music degree.

“His love of music spanned genre, venue, culture and era — from romantic and classically-inclined German lied, to upbeat emotive emo-pop, progressive rock and contemporary jazz, to name a few. The breadth of his interests were evidenced in the projects and roles he undertook.

“Upon completion of his higher education, he accepted a position as band director at Chatham High School in Chatham, New York and reunited with long-time musical colleague Cody Okonski to create the pop-punk-ska band, Millington.

“Jonathan had a presence that was apparent in each of his activities and relationships with others. He held himself to a high standard in pursuit of excellence, skill mastery, and philosophical understanding and yet maintained an honest grounded perspective. It was through this lens that he would lead jovial and intellectual debates upon the state of the world and how to make it better.

“He was respected and admired by students and colleagues alike. His influence, example, talent, and leadership strengthened the musical community, contributed to national recognition of Chatham’s Music Program, and fostered an international community through Millington.

“He was a traveler, a chef, a barista, a microbrewer, an artist, an athlete, a lifelong learner, and wholeheartedly loved those close to him. If you knew him, you already know what a blessing he was. He truly made the world brighter and was a shining example of kindness, caring, finding fulfillment and self-betterment for the good of all.

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Jonathan Edward Bintz is survived by his loving life partner and soulmate, KT Bierman; by his parents, John and Michele Bintz; by his sisters, Jackie and Stephenie Bintz; by his extended family, Jill and Andrew Bierman; brother, Nathan Bierman; and pup named Penny.

He is also survived by his grandmother, Marilyn Bortiatynski; William and Linda Goergen; Jenifer Higgins; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Empire State Youth Orchestra, 432 State St, Schenectady, NY 12305 (ESYO.org/donate) or to a charity of your choice.

Calling hours and a service to honor Jonathan was be held on Friday, July 9.