Despite challenges, deaf student pursues dream of playing drums

Despite not being able to hear, Tylee Thomas, a senior at the Delaware School for the Deaf is breaking down barriers by pursuing his dream of playing the drums. Thomas is profoundly deaf in his left ear and has partial hearing in his right ear. Thomas started to lose the ability to hear when he was about 3 or 4 years old but this did not stop him from reaching for the stars. After seeing a steel drum band perform a concert at his school in the eighth grade he asked his band instructor if he can join. Now he not only plays the steel drums, but also drum set, crick-ets, bongos, shakers and other percussion instruments. With the help from his band mates and instructor Thomas began to be a very successful member in the group. He hopes his story in-spires other deaf students and makes them feel like they can do anything. After he graduates from DSD in June, Thomas plans to attend Gallaudet University in Washington D.C., to study mathematics and physical education.

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