Dallas ISD student Christian R. returns to Dallas Winds camp before UT

Christian R., a recent graduate of the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy at A. Maceo Smith, has returned to the Dallas Winds Summer Band Camp before leaving Dallas ISD for the University of Texas. He plans to study music education at the university this fall.

The camp is held at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. It provides professional instruction and master classes for young musicians across the district. Instruments are available at no cost to ensure access regardless of background.

Christian attended the camp for five years. He described growing from a young clarinet player into a student leader. He credited the relationships he built with faculty members for his development.

"I like taking the master classes, meeting the instructors, and learning from them," Christian said. He noted that the clarinet faculty became mentors to him when he first arrived.

Other students also shared their experiences at the camp. Greer C., a clarinet player at J.L. Long Middle School, said attending meant stepping outside her comfort zone to play alongside older students.

"You know they're going to be more experienced than you, but you get to learn from them," she said.

Matthew A., a rising freshman at Booker T., said this is his second year attending the camp. He described it as part of his summer routine.

"It's a lot of fun," he said. "You meet people and get better at your instrument."

Christian stated that returning to camp each summer was a reminder of his progress as a musician. He indicated that his connection to the program may continue after his days as a camper end, potentially returning to help inspire the next generation of musicians.