Nothing stops this Mustang Band percussionist

[Guest guest]

Nothing stops this Mustang Band percussionist

Parmet, Contributing Wrtier

http://media.www.smudailycampus.com/media/storage/paper949/news/2007/

10/19/News/Nothing.Stops.This.Mustang.Band.Percussionist-

3043475.shtml

In a red and white striped vest, with his drum sticks grasped

tightly in hand, first year Leon zips down the football

field with a huge smile, ready to perform during halftime. His older

sister Emilia watches from the student section.

" It's exciting and I'm nervous for him at times, because I know I'd

be nervous myself. But he's a pro since he did halftime shows in

high school as well, " Emilia said.

Eighteen-year-old Leon is in a wheelchair. Born with Charcot-Marie-

Tooth Disease (CMT), a form of muscular dystrophy, he does not let

the daily struggles stop him from being an average college student.

Instead of getting frustrated, he works around his disability.

" I usually go to class with at least 15 minutes so I can get

wherever on time, " he said. " I mean I try to get early to the

classroom so I can sit in the front. I kind of have to. "

Leon, who is majoring in civil engineering, wants to be an architect

when he graduates. But don't ask him to design a house. He wants to

create large buildings.

Leon also has a passion for art. He excels in landscape art with his

drawing and latex paint techniques.

" I paint something that [the customer] will like, " Leon said.

His work now sells for $100 to $200.

" I've been painting throughout high school and I've just now started

getting into painting for people and selling paintings, " Leon

said. " People ask if I can paint them something and I say 'sure.'

The one I'm working on now is for a friend that lives in Austin. "

His other infatuation is music. It's what most students at SMU know

him for: the band. Mustang Band Director Don Hopkins, believes Leon

is the first person in a wheelchair to play in the Mustang Band.

Leon has been playing drums since fifth grade. It's what inspired

him to play marching snare drum in high school. The one thing

different about the Mustang Band compared to his high school is the

tradition behind being in band. SMU's traditions include the candy-

stripe jackets, high-step marching for songs and making the shape of

a diamond M on the field. While attending Bishop Lynch High School,

he played marimba or xylophone in what the band calls the pit, which

stood in the front of the field. At SMU, he has the opportunity to

join in the marching tradition.

" I've never been on the field before-in the middle of the field, "

Leon said. " It wasn't that intimidating at first. It still isn't. I

never really get nervous. "

One of the four other snare drummers that march along side Leon is

Clinton. Ever since band camp, Clinton has noticed how

confident Leon acts around everyone.

" He has a great sense of humor and he's comfortable enough to make

fun of himself, " Clinton jokes as he remembers a time when he was

too tired to carry his drum. " It had been a really long day outside

and we were all exhausted. I turned to him and said 'I'm so tired.

, can you carry my drum for me?' "

Clinton has also seen how the CMT has been difficult on Leon.

Bandmates have to help carry his drum for him. There is no handicap

section where the band plays in the stands. Leon's dad has to brace

him and help him walk down the stairs to get to his seat.

A few buildings around campus have also been a challenge. There are

some places where Leon wishes for a ramp. He had to switch his

classes from Dallas Hall to Clements Hall because his wheelchair was

not able to fit in the elevator.

SMU's Marin, coordinator for Services for Students with

Disabilities, is there to help. She makes sure that students with

disabilities are able to get around campus easily and have access to

programs and activities, giving them the same opportunity to be

successful. On average, 325 to 350 students register their

disabilities with the school each semester. Marin believes six to 10

percent of students have disabilities. Only three students on campus

are registered with wheelchairs.

" The vast majority of students who seek services or accommodations

through my office are individuals with hidden disabilities,

particularly learning disabilities and Attention Deficit and

Hyperactivity Disorder, " Marin said.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 states that individuals

with disabilities may not be subject to discrimination. SMU makes

sure to uphold to the standards with the help of Marin.

Leon goes to Marin whenever he needs help. When he first arrived at

SMU, he had to send a few notes to Marin asking her to have

maintenance fix the Umphrey Lee automatic door button. He said at

one point there was no button. It was just wires sticking out.

" I've had some door issues, " Leon said

Leon always makes the most of the situation he's in, Clinton said.

He's always been positive. He's not afraid to ask for help.

" He always has a smile on his face, " Clinton said, " always. "