Oakland, Calif. (KCBS) -- The boundless energy of 400 aspiring dancers, musicians, poets and artists is just what Christopher Rodriguez wants to get swept up in. The boy, who continues to inspire others with his plucky attitude is himself inspired by music, piano specifically, which he was playing on the day he was shot by an alleged robber’s stray bullet back in January.
He's shy, declining to talk with visitors on his first day of 6th grade at Oakland’s School of Arts, but his music teacher, Atemu Aton, says Chris shows commitment to music and a maturity beyond his 11 years.
“Him being young and that happening to him has still allowed him the opportunity to see that there’s a great future for him. He still has a youthful vitality and I think that …can be what helps him get through his challenges.”
In six more years, Chris could be playing like Senior Ulis Redic who understands the healing power of music.
“Music is a therapy and it calms my nerves. It’s easy to give up but what I do is I just sit down at the piano and I just play, and it really soothes my mind.”
Redic says that by studying piano, Chris can show those who would look down on the disabled that physical challenges are no obstacle to your dreams.
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KCBS' Holly Quan reports
