JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Chad Erickson loves music. The senior at Fletcher High School started playing the piano at 3 years old and draws his inspiration from his grandmother who was a classical musician.
When his mother saw a story about a blind student in south Florida who had joined his school's marching band, Erickson said he could do it, too.
"The school I was attending would not let me march, so my mom went to the school board and transferred me to another school," explained Erickson.
Fletcher High School Band Director Jonathan Maerkl welcomed Erickson.
"He has incredible ears, and he picks up music very fast," Maerkl said. "That's how he learns, by listening and then playing it back."
Erickson plays saxophone and relies on a guide to help move him around the field in step with the marching band show. Zane Rapplye volunteered to be Erickson's guide this year.
"It just requires people to help serve and be selfless so that Chad can be a part, like anyone else," Maerkl said, describing Rapplye's selflessness.
Serving as a guide means Rapplye gives up time playing his instrument during the show.
Both teenagers clearly respect each other when you watch them practice. Both are kind and determined to make their part in the show perfect.
Maerkl said he did not change the show to incorporate Erickson.
"It wouldn't be fair to all the students to make a change for just one student," he said.
Just being included has made a difference to Erickson.
"He wanted to make it the same regardless," Erickson said, "and I'm glad he did."
The Fletcher High School band performed during a state championship two weekends ago, ranking 14th out of 20 bands. Not a bad performance, considering it was the first time the band had competed in the state championship.
The band is currently raising money to perform in April at New York's Carnegie Hall. To help the band raise money to pay for the trip you can drop a check off at the school or click here for more information.