I believe in the power of music, the ability for a single melodic note to open doors. One single note, no matter what it comes from; a guitar flute or drum. The power of music to change a person is simply breathtaking. The Low hum of people at the mall, the rush of wind past me, the crickets chirping at the moon, all calling me to see and hear, to understand what a beautiful noise the world was making. It wasn't until a very special person was introduced to the band at my high school that my eyes and ears opened up to what a wonderful noise that was.

Grant is a special child. Just one year ago he lived in near isolation. All this changed when he walked toward the band room. Coming from the partially opened double doors that led to the steamy packed room was the most glorious noise he had ever heard. Smashed in the middle of all the different layers of melodious music was the drum line. Standing behind their drums like angels from heaven, hands moving faster than the eye could see. They were hammering out beats while at the same time playing with the grace of a dancer. It was that day that the quiet isolated Grant fell in love with drums.

I'm part of the drum line Grant has fallen in love with. I have seen how music has reached and spoken to him. I have seen the gleaming smile on his face when we play. I have seen him go from unapproachable to being one of the kindest people I know. I have seen him learn to start and stop playing when we do, and hum and tap melodies and rhythms with us. I have seen all of these changes in him, but because of him I have also seen changes in myself. Band class is no longer just an easy A, but something I cherish and look forward to every day. Playing the drums has gone from just something to do to a tool I can use to touch someone's life. All the hard work was worth it once I saw that the music I was playing could change a person's life.

I believe in the power of music to change a life. I believe music is a universal language anyone can understand. Rhythm is something anyone can feel. The beat of a drum, no matter what language you speak, is still a beat. A C is still a C, an A still an A. The power for music to be a tool for communication is remarkable. I believe in the power of music to reach a person, no matter how far away they may be, and breathe life into their soul.