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Peer Volunteers Help Elementary Students

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By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

IN THE LOOP

Published: March 18, 2009

While others might end their school day by going home to do homework or hanging out with friends, a few dedicated students from Wiregrass Ranch High School and John Long Middle School said they have much more fun hanging out with the band students at Veterans Elementary School in Wesley Chapel.

The peer volunteers have come to the school usually a couple times a week since last October. They spend their time teaching the younger students how to properly play their instruments.

Cindy Bauman, band teacher at the school, said she is thrilled with the help she gets from her volunteers.

"They provide such a good role model for the children," Bauman said. "They also help to provide motivation. I am so happy they are here to help out with the students."

Christian Feliciano, 15, a 10th grader at Wiregrass Ranch, said his bond with the students is what keeps him coming back.

"I like the band and I like the kids," Feliciano said. "When I come here I try to teach the children the fancy tricks the professionals use."

Korey Croxton, 11, a saxophone player, said he has learned a lot from Feliciano.

"He teaches us extra stuff along with the stuff we need to know," Croxton said. "He has shown me how to growl and how to pop. It is usually much more fun if he is here."

Victor Rivera-Santos, 15, a 10th grader at Wiregrass Ranch, said he likes to volunteer because it is a lot of fun.

"These are a great group of kids," Rivera-Santos said. "Ever since I was in fifth-grade band, I have always wanted to help other kids learn to play."

Rivera-Santos helps to make band practice a little less dull for fifth-grade trumpet player Dylan Woomer, 11. He said he enjoys having Victor around not just for the skill he can teach him but also because he is really cool and fun.

"He has taught me to play softer because before I was playing really loud," Woomer said. "He also taught me how to play a long note for 30 seconds. It would be boring here without him."

Zachary Perez, 17, of Wesley Chapel, a former Wiregrass Ranch student, said he likes to teach the trombone.

"I like being here with the kids because they are so carefree," Perez said. "All the kids in high school are always so worried about everything. It is fun to come here and teach them how to play."

The band teacher, the band and its older helpers had their last performance together March 3 since Bauman will be leaving at the end of the month to become assistant principal at Anclote High School.

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

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