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Student Discovers Hidden Talent

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By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

IN THE LOOP

Published: February 25, 2009

Dylan Waddle is not the average eighth-grader at Charles S. Rushe Middle School. Instead of spending the summer playing, he fixed a marxophone with his grandfather, Charles Taylor.

He not only fixed the instrument, but also taught himself to play it just like the other nine instruments he already plays. His repertoire includes the alto saxophone, keyboard, mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, bassoon, pocket sax and now the marxophone.

Although Waddle only began playing instruments two years ago, he's already been recognized for his talents. He was selected as first chair alto saxophone in the jazz band and concert band at the school and he was also selected as first alto saxophone chair in the Florida Music Educators Florida Bandmasters Association Middle School Honor Band. The band had 128 children from all over the state perform in January at the Tampa Convention Center. He not only had the chance to play in front of a crowd of thousands, he also was able to play a solo at the concert.

"It was an experience I was glad I got to take part in," Waddle said. "I liked being able to play by myself for once so I could shine a little bit. It was fun but it also made me nervous."

Most of the music Waddle plays is big band, jazz or blues, but he said his favorite is rock.

"I have always liked all types of music," Waddle said. "My favorite band is Linkin Park because they have a unique sound. They combine different styles of music, so they are a rock band, but they also use modern instruments like synthesizers where they can get all sorts of different effects."

In the future, Waddle either wants to be a musician, a writer or both.

"I would like to play in an orchestra one day," Waddle said. "It would be great to be in the New York Philharmonic one day. I also want to write fiction novels."

Karen Crocco, band director at Rushe, said she sees great things in his future. She said he is not only an impressive musician; he is also a great student conductor.

"He can do more than just conduct, he can actually hear something wrong and fix it, which is a lot more then most children can do at his age," Crocco said. "It is rare to find such well directed talent. He is not just a good musician, he is well organized, motivated, he follows direction well and he is smart."
Waddle said it was his mother, Charlotte, and his grandfather who inspired him to play. He said he spends a lot of time playing gospel and folk music with Taylor.

"He is constantly coming up with something else to show me," Charlotte. "I think my Dad is the inspiration for that. He got him interested in older instruments. They spent all summer putting back together a marxophone. It is great when they get together and play because it gives them a way to bond and they sound really good."

Reporter Suzanne M. Schmidt can be reached at (813) 948-4288 or sschmidt@mediageneral.com.

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