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." ***** 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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The Balladiers, Adrian High School's show choir, took to the road December 19th, 2019 for their annual Elementary Tour. The group sang and danced for young students at Alexander, Lincoln, Michener and Prairie Elementary Schools. The Balladiers are led by Steve Antalek. The 2019 holiday concert season wrapped up with the Springbrook Middle School Bands and Orchestras playing for a full house in the Adrian High School Performing Arts Center on December 17th. Take a look at a few video highlights above and the slideshow below. On Monday, December 16th, the Adrian High School Bands and Orchestras treated the full house at the AHS Performing Arts Center to an evening of holiday music. The Orchestras were under the direction of Lorri Wittenkeller. The bands and combined groups were led by Aaron Mykeloff. Enjoy the video above and the slideshow below. Here's a look at a few Adrian Music memories from the 2019 calendar year. Enjoy the images from concerts, parades, Pie Day and other events. Thank you to our student musicians, directors, support team, school staff members, Music Booster sponsors and parents who make music education in Adrian Public Schools possible.
The busy concert season continued December 12th as the Adrian High School choirs shared their music at the Performing Arts Center. The evening also included a few snow flurries as you'll see in the video above. The choirs were lead by Steve Antalek and student teacher Garrett Glass. Laura Morris provided piano accompaniment. Enjoy the slideshow below as well. The Springbrook Choirs kicked off the 2019 holiday concert season December 10th in the Adrian High School Performing Arts Center. The groups were under the direction of Barbara Schenck and student director Jordan Golomb. Laurie Cunningham served as piano accompanist. Check out the video above and slideshow below. |
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