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Making the Grade - Blind marching band member helps lead by example

By Laura Wibbenmeyer - bio | email

DELTA, MO (KFVS) - Drums are one of, if not the most important instrument in a marching band.   It's cadence helps keep members on the correct foot and the tempo is completely in the player's hands.

Kristen McCoy is a snare drummer and helps lead the Delta High School Marching Band, while she is being led herself because Kristen is blind. 

"I can tell certain colors," Kristen said. "I can separate light and dark colors but I mean that's about it." 

Kristen is independent and watching her march in the band makes that evident. 

Her best friend, Lisa Lankford, is always by her side like any normal freshman girl but while Kristen is marching she relies even more on Lisa. 

Lisa says she helps keep her in the right spot.

"I will steer her to keep her in line with the rest of the band," Lisa said. 

Marching band, schoolwork, nothing stands in Kristen's way.  In fact, this freshman is a straight A student and she says she can do anything she sets her mind to. 

Nobody knows that more than Brenda Sievert.  As a paraprofessional, Sievert's been helping Kristen since Kindergarten.  Brenda says Kristen is such a joy and a blessing to have around.

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