I'm the baritone section leader at Oregon Crusaders and when Phil sent me an email with this video and the background information about Luke i thought "how was this going to work?" and at the end of the movie it inspired me. it made me see that dreams and what seems impossible can become true. i think it will be hard at first, but luke's perseverence and talent will make it all worth it.
~jessica

...how will it work? ...by keeping your heart and mind "out of the box" and your willingness to look at the "problem" from a vantage point of "this is going to work...now what can I do to be a part of the solution!" Good luck!

I am currently in a teacher education program and last semester had to take a course on educating students with disabilities. I read about assistive technology, but until you see it in action, it's hard to understand what a difference it can make in a person's life. I played brass instruments in school and loved music. I think it's fabulous that this young man had the passion to pursue his dream and learn to play. Being part of a musical ensemble is a great experience for people and this video shows how this experience can be open to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity. This video is fantastic.

When I started college to be a music teacher and had to teach a special education class music,I was upset because all my other friends got the regular classes and I had to to special ed classes. But years of teaching, and now watching this, it just brought a smile to my face to see that this young man didn't let anything stop him from learning and playing music. I loved the creativity of the inventors and just enjoyed seeing someone play even better then some without a disability and played with passion.

Orlando

Dear Orlando,

Thank you for your honest and warm thoughts about my son Lukas. He is amazing. He shows me everyday that I have nothing to complain about.

All the best to you,

Kristy

Dear Andrea,

I am Lukas's mom and I appreciated your comments about my son. Being a part of the "band" during middle school and high school was the single most defining moment that changed his life forever. He currently plays in the Wind Symphony at Whitworth College and this summer he is playing with the Oregon Crusaders Drum & Bugle Corps and will be traveling the US to perform.

Kristy

Dear Jessica,

You were such an inspriation to Lukas last summer. Thank you so much. We are all sad that your injuries have not allowed you to participate this season. Please take care of yourself so your body will heal. We'll miss you.

Kristy

Kristy, please pass on to Lukas my total respect and thanks! His perseverance, and your obvious support, are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing his story!!!

steve

Wow! A touching story of passion and perseverence. Lukas must have some fantastic parents who love and support him with his desires. I expect Lukas' name to be great. I am a 4th grade teacher and can't wait to show my students his story. We truly are blessed and Lukas is a young man to be commended. Thank you for sharing his story.
Lindsey
4th grade teacher
Georgia public school

Lukas That is such a tutching story about ur disability and I hope for the best for u and I will always know how hard it looks to play in a jazz band with a disability like urs and u make band sound even better with that in it! Lukas im 12 years old and u inspire me for who I am inside and u Rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Lukas for inspirering me to help the disability kids and now I no what its like to here from one. You r goin to do great thinks when ur older I can tell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Heather
p.s. U rock at playin the horn GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!