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| Nick (middle) |
Nick loves music. Seeing
him play in marching band is more than a goal achieved. He is happy.
That may sound like a simple statement, but it signifies a culmination
of Nick’s intense therapies to live and achieve with the disability of autism.
As a toddler, he'd climb onto the piano bench and bang on
the piano keys. He started piano lessons
at about the age of 8. He did not
necessarily pick up the concepts easily, but he practiced incessantly.
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| Nick about age 2 |
In fifth grade Nick decided to join band in school. He chose to play the bells. The classmates in his band class were
extremely supportive and helped Nick learn the music. The elementary school band teacher had ADD,
so this teacher could relate to Nick--keeping instruction clear and
concise. Nick thrived.
In seventh grade his band teacher introduced Nick to other percussion instruments. It was a slow process to get him
comfortable, but he persevered. Again,
his classmates helped Nick, if needed.
Nick continued band in high school. His sophomore year, he joined the rhythm
theatre band in addition to the regular band class. The rhythm theatre band practices were after
school, so this really illustrated how much Nick liked music--he was there
because he wanted to be, not just to fill a class period.
In his junior year Nick added the marching band to his
class schedule. This class started an
hour before the regular school day.
Nick, who was never a morning person, awoke at 5 am
daily.
Few of his classmates from elementary have
continued to take band, but they have been the nucleus for meeting new friends
via band. I understand the marching band
members become really good friends because they spend so much time practicing
together. However, I have never seen
such acceptance and camaraderie that includes a student with autism. This bond goes beyond the school walls. We rarely can go to a store without Nick
knowing someone. Either he or the other
person will stop, high-five, and chat.
Now, Nick is a senior, and he continues to play in these
bands. He wishes to pursue more
piano lessons and wants to play in a band after high school. Nick sums it up, "Music is my life."
top photo credit:Shaylen Sparrow
