Fifth-graders at Lyons Elementary School have only had musical instruments in their hands for four months, but with practice and direction, they can now play a few tunes.
They are able to do so with the guidance of Anthony Enos, educational music director of the Chicago Music Store.
Enos - also known as Dr. A - volunteers his services not only to students at Lyons, but at White Elementary School, 2315 W. Canada St., as well.
As a result, approximately 160 Tucson Unified School District students are being exposed to band despite budget cuts that eliminated the program at their schools this year.
Enos stepped up to serve at Lyons, 7555 E. Dogwood St., at the beginning of the school year upon learning the program had been cut, but red tape prevented him from getting into the classroom until January.
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He teaches two classes twice a week at Lyons and four classes twice a week at White.
Last week, the students rehearsed "London Bridges" for their first concert next week.
Mark Levkowitz, a family representative for the Chicago Music Store, said the business is happy to lend Enos to the schools and hopes to expand to other schools in the future. Enos is paid by the Chicago Music Store while he works with the children.
"This is our way of showing our dedication to the community and the musical community," Levkowitz said.
With the Chicago Music Store offering Enos' services free of charge, the school does not have to budget for a band teacher, said Lyons Principal Sheila Govern.
Providing students the opportunity to take part in band is important to Govern.
"If kids don't know how to read music or have a musical instrument in their hands by the time they get to middle school, some doors are already closed for them," Govern said.
Ashley Wright, 12, is one of those students who will now go on to participate in band when she enters sixth grade.
"This has been a good experience and now I can play in middle school and high school if I want to," she said.
For Enos, it's not just about the music. He also works to teach the children about self-respect and respecting others.
"If you don't get into these kids' core belief system, they're going to end up on the street," he said.
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Contact reporter Alexis Huicochea at ahuicochea@azstarnet.com or 573-4175.
