Nothing stops this Mustang Band percussionist
Morgan Parmet, Contributing Wrtier, mparmet@smu.edu
Issue date: 10/19/07 Section: News
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In a red and white striped vest, with his drum sticks grasped tightly in hand, first year Ricardo Leon zips down the football field with a huge smile, ready to perform during halftime. His older sister Emilia watches from the student section.
"It's exciting and I'm nervous for him at times, because I know I'd be nervous myself. But he's a pro since he did halftime shows in high school as well," Emilia said.
Eighteen-year-old Leon is in a wheelchair. Born with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT), a form of muscular dystrophy, he does not let the daily struggles stop him from being an average college student. Instead of getting frustrated, he works around his disability.
"I usually go to class with at least 15 minutes so I can get wherever on time," he said. "I mean I try to get early to the classroom so I can sit in the front. I kind of have to."
Leon, who is majoring in civil engineering, wants to be an architect when he graduates. But don't ask him to design a house. He wants to create large buildings.
Leon also has a passion for art. He excels in landscape art with his drawing and latex paint techniques.
"I paint something that [the customer] will like," Leon said.
His work now sells for $100 to $200.
"I've been painting throughout high school and I've just now started getting into painting for people and selling paintings," Leon said. "People ask if I can paint them something and I say 'sure.' The one I'm working on now is for a friend that lives in Austin."
His other infatuation is music. It's what most students at SMU know him for: the band. Mustang Band Director Don Hopkins, believes Leon is the first person in a wheelchair to play in the Mustang Band.
Leon has been playing drums since fifth grade. It's what inspired him to play marching snare drum in high school. The one thing different about the Mustang Band compared to his high school is the tradition behind being in band. SMU's traditions include the candy-stripe jackets, high-step marching for songs and making the shape of a diamond M on the field. While attending Bishop Lynch High School, he played marimba or xylophone in what the band calls the pit, which stood in the front of the field. At SMU, he has the opportunity to join in the marching tradition.
"It's exciting and I'm nervous for him at times, because I know I'd be nervous myself. But he's a pro since he did halftime shows in high school as well," Emilia said.
Eighteen-year-old Leon is in a wheelchair. Born with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT), a form of muscular dystrophy, he does not let the daily struggles stop him from being an average college student. Instead of getting frustrated, he works around his disability.
"I usually go to class with at least 15 minutes so I can get wherever on time," he said. "I mean I try to get early to the classroom so I can sit in the front. I kind of have to."
Leon, who is majoring in civil engineering, wants to be an architect when he graduates. But don't ask him to design a house. He wants to create large buildings.
Leon also has a passion for art. He excels in landscape art with his drawing and latex paint techniques.
"I paint something that [the customer] will like," Leon said.
His work now sells for $100 to $200.
"I've been painting throughout high school and I've just now started getting into painting for people and selling paintings," Leon said. "People ask if I can paint them something and I say 'sure.' The one I'm working on now is for a friend that lives in Austin."
His other infatuation is music. It's what most students at SMU know him for: the band. Mustang Band Director Don Hopkins, believes Leon is the first person in a wheelchair to play in the Mustang Band.
Leon has been playing drums since fifth grade. It's what inspired him to play marching snare drum in high school. The one thing different about the Mustang Band compared to his high school is the tradition behind being in band. SMU's traditions include the candy-stripe jackets, high-step marching for songs and making the shape of a diamond M on the field. While attending Bishop Lynch High School, he played marimba or xylophone in what the band calls the pit, which stood in the front of the field. At SMU, he has the opportunity to join in the marching tradition.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Carleigh Fite
posted 10/19/07 @ 6:13 PM CST
Whew! What a fantastic contributing writer!
And what a cool guy she has written about!
Keep it up, Daily Campus!
Cynthia Dooley
posted 10/20/07 @ 2:52 PM CST
Enjoyed reading this inspiring article. SMU is fortunate that this fine young man chose to attend there. I'm glad to know that SMU cares about its students with disabilities and makes sure they have the same opportunities as everyone else. (Continued…)
Gloria Kenyon
posted 10/22/07 @ 9:12 AM CST
Way to go Ricardo!
Michael Donawho
posted 10/22/07 @ 10:07 PM CST
Reading this article about such a fine young man reveals a clear vision of what can lay ahead. Maybe with some cheering on, he will first try a blue mask along with some PVC pipes before designing the next Sears Tower. (Continued…)
Laura Meeks
posted 10/31/07 @ 10:26 AM CST
I have known Ricardo's family for years and followed his successes at Bishop Lynch. After seeing Ricardo on the field, my pleasure in his decision to attend SMU was coupled with my pride in the university for recognizing this outstanding young man would certainly be an asset to the campus. (Continued…)
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