Student Steps Up To Lead The Band

Last year, the administrators at PS37 in Jamaica, NY said their hands were tied when their music teacher left and they had no money to hire a replacement. the staff tried to rally the parents support a music program, but that quickly hit a dead end. Now, however, Public School 37 has a thriving band directed by one of its students, an 11-year-old pianist and sax player who recognized that his classmates had the need and talent to make great music.

"Music makes this school more alive," said sixth-grader Paul Sheriff, leader of the Cynthia Jenkins School Band. "The school is better with music in it." The band, comprised of a piano, drums, trumpet, sax and other instruments, has performed at a districtwide concert as well as the school's multicultural festival. Next up is career day and graduation. Paul studied music for a year but now his primary exposure to music is in school and at churches, where he plays at services and weddings. READ MORE ON THIS STORY