Life Lessons From a Blind Musician

Chad Erickson lives several thousand miles from California but his spirit of determination can inspire us all.

Erickson was a talented high school senior who could play eight musical instruments — from the accordion to the alto saxophone — by ear. In his Junior year, Erickson decided he wanted to perform in Florida’s Fletcher High School marching band including its field shows that require musicians to not only play music but march into different formations. It is an artform where accuracy and precision are tantamount.

Erickson is also blind.

Yet, Erickson was determined to succeed. With the support of his mother, band director and classmates he has successfully performed with the marching band, which won several honors during the season. Erickson received assistance from a guide, another student who held onto Erickson and physically guided him and offered verbal instructions. Succeeding with or without a guide can be a challenge as students sometimes march 180 beats per minute. Yet, Erickson found a way to perform just as well as his peers.

Erickson, who was born at only 23 weeks and weighed just under 2 lbs., told The Florida Times-Union that he enjoys the experience.

“‘I wasn’t sure I was going to like it at first,’” he said candidly. But the more rewarding part, he said, comes from ‘playing in a musical ensemble, and being part of a group that has an interest in common with mine — and that is music.’”

Next time you think a challenge is insurmountable, think of Erickson.

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