NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Kayden Berry's passion for music started long before he decided to join Nacogdoches ISD's McMichael Middle School band, but if it weren't for the Stephen F. Austin State University staff, he may not have the opportunity to embrace it.
Berry has McCune-Albright syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects his bones and skin, but not his love for music.
“I want to reassure you that there is nothing abnormal about him,” his grandmother Cotina Evans, who is an assistant principal at Nacogdoches High School, said. “He has always shown a keen interest in music, especially percussion, which is a powerful outlet for his creativity,"
As Berry learns the trumpet, he goes through all the usual struggles a beginner musician does, plus the ones that come with his condition, like holding the instrument itself.
Gripping the trumpet on his own is a struggle for Berry, something the SFA band director Crystal Bradsher was determined to help with after Berry attended the university's band camp over the summer.
Bradsher, alongside several music professors got into contact with SFA engineering professor Dr. Dan Bruton. Together, Bruton and his son hand-crafted a metal cage to help hold the trumpet up while Berry plays. Bruton had created similar structures for vehicle roll cages, and used the experience to create one for Berry.
“(The stand) helps me hold the trumpet the right way,” Kayden said. “Because I get tired easily.”
With the help of the cage, Berry can focus on finger placement and technique instead of putting all his energy into getting the instrument up as he learns his instrument.
Berry plans on playing in the band throughout middle school and into high school.
“I want to express my appreciation and thanks to Dr. Dan, SFA professor, and his son Gerson for collaborating with Crystal Bradsher,” Evans said. “They developed a prototype to assist Kayden in the upcoming year to prevent early fatigue. I am grateful for their commitment to supporting Kayden's musical journey.”