AHS Student Relies on Music's Healing Power

For two weeks after his surgery, Brian Pickard could barely stand. 

But he could play the guitar. 

"I would play for hours on end," said Brian. "Sometimes full songs; sometimes just random chords."

The surgery happened in early November 2019. Brian needed it to ease the symptoms of Chiari 1 Malformation, a condition that occurs when part of the brain extends into the spinal column.

"Brian was actually diagnosed in 7th grade after he tripped and fell while leaving the locker room at school," said Darla Rychener, Brian's mom. "He gave himself a concussion, so he had a CT scan at Bixby Hospital. The Chiari was a secondary finding."

The diagnosis didn't surprise Darla, though, since Brian's sister had been treated for Chiari when she was only five.  

"In the beginning, Brian had no symptoms. But between 8th and 9th grade, he started having massive growth spurts," said Darla. That growth brought on excruciating headaches. 

"By the beginning of the 2019 school year, his migraines were so bad he couldn't make it through a full day of classes. His level of concentration was so reduced that he would forget things, and he was very irritable. He also had decreased sensation in his arms and balance issues when walking. Just standing up would increase the pressure in his head to unbearable levels."

"Yeah, sometimes I'd be playing [in orchestra class] and get a massive migraine," said Brian. "I'd forget where I was and what I was doing, but I would just try to keep going, though."

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Brian began playing music in 4th grade: the recorder. He took up the double bass in the 7th grade orchestra. Since then, he's learned to play guitar, bass guitar, piano and even ukulele.

"If it wasn't for the instrument grant that first year, it wouldn't have happened," remembered Darla. "Ms. Wittenkeller helped us get that set up. Brian has been playing bass ever since."

And it's music that has helped Brian through his recovery. "After surgery, I got on my laptop and pulled up a piano. I forget what I played, but I remember feeling great."

"Music is important to me because it gives me an outlet for my emotions," he said. "Whether I'm sad, mad or happy, I always find myself either making or listening to music."

"We are a very musical family," said Darla. "I played many instruments through junior high and high school. Brian is like a musical sponge and can learn just about any instrument you put in his hands. His sister Heaven plays clarinet in the band, and his sister Jackie loves to sing. There is always music in our lives."

There's no cure for Chiari, but Brian's symptoms are under control. And now, no matter what struggles he may face, Brian understands he can always rely on music to help himself get through.

While he doesn't know if he'll pursue music as a career, "I have no plans to stop any time soon," he said. "I'm hoping that I never have to quit playing music because it's what makes me happy."

And Brian has the Adrian Music programs to thank. The school he used to attend doesn't have an orchestra. 

"Honestly, the musical education I've received at Adrian Schools is the best. Ms. Wittenkeller has been the best music teacher ever. I'm glad that life landed me in Adrian Schools."

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