Cellular symphony

The conductor takes the stage as a packed audience erupts in applause. Slowly, the noise dies and the audience hushes, awaiting a concerto. Then it happens -- the jarring cell phone ringtone. Only this time, musician David Baker is not bothered by the interruption. In fact, he planned it.\nBaker, the chair of the jazz department in the Jacobs School of Music, was recently commissioned to compose a piece for the 20th anniversary of the Chicago Sinfonietta. Paul Freeman, a close friend and director of the Sinfonietta, requested Baker incorporate the trend of cell phone ringtones into his work.\n"My first thought was, 'I wonder what he's smoking,'" Baker said. "Then I realized he doesn't do anything (like that). Freeman is very reputable. I had to take him seriously."\nStill, Baker said the task was difficult. \n"Usually it takes four weeks to compose; this took five just to conceptualize," Baker said. "I've never had anything challenge me like this"