Since his days in middle school, 15-year-old Raeshaun Potts in Bartow, Florida, the United States, has fantasized about stepping out with a marching band.

    Even though a birth defect left him with two prosthetic legs, he remained undaunted in his determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with his fellow musicians. And he has done just that.

    At Bartow’s 25th annual Christmas parade earlier this month, Potts stood with the trumpet section and marched along Broadway Avenue to Main Street downtown.

    “It’s just fun. Marching is my favorite part of being in the band. It gives me hope that I can achieve my dreams,” he said.

    Music, he said, transports him to tranquil places in his mind. “It puts me on an imaginary journey to wonderland.”

    Jon Eckman, director of Bartow High School’s band program, said Potts’ dedication is unwavering. “The thing that’s inspiring to me about Raeshaun is he’s not afraid to try anything,” he said. “He has such a positive attitude and he’s never down about anything. I’d like to have 150 Raeshauns if I could.”

    Potts’ love of music began in the sixth grade, when he took up the trumpet after the drums didn’t work out.

    His birth defect has left Potts with only a thumb and forefinger on his right hand, but he’s still able to maneuver a trumpet. He uses his right hand to grip the instrument while his left hand works the instrument’s three valves. “It’s got a nice sound, and it’s easier for me to play,” he said.

    Janice Dawson, his grandmother and guardian, has been able to cheer him on. “He was born with a bone deficiency, and he had no knees or shin bones,” she said. “But he’s always been independent, and has always wanted to do things on his own.”

    Now a freshman at Bartow High School, Potts finds himself surrounded by musicians who are as committed to his success as he is.

    Potts has never missed a practice, said Antonio Glenn, 17, the band’s trumpet section leader.

    “Marching band is very physically demanding. It’s pretty much a sport, and it’s nice to see someone like Raeshaun, who’s as dedicated as he is,” he said.

    Since Potts’ prosthetic legs extend above the knee, he’s limited in his ability to perform the maneuvers in most halftime shows. His prosthetics also affect his balance, evidenced by the solders and dents in his trumpet. (SD-Agencies)