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Piano helps Webb Elementary student find his voice
Posted in , on December 29, 2025

At Webb Elementary School, talent often shines in unexpected ways. For fourth grader David Garcia, that spark comes alive at the piano. A student in the Alternative Curriculum Program, David has discovered a passion for music that is inspiring teachers, classmates, and his family.

Though typically shy, David brightens when he performs.聽

鈥淒avid is honestly so sweet, so bright,鈥 said Gracelynn Nguyen, former Special Education department lead/alternative curriculum teacher at Webb. 鈥淗e鈥檚 very social, he loves working with others, and he鈥檚 very helpful in the classroom. With piano, we鈥檝e now discovered he鈥檚 super gifted. Maybe this is something he can aim toward in the future.鈥

Webb music teacher Sara Landin said David鈥檚 enthusiasm was clear from the very first lesson.聽

鈥淭he first day, he was hooked,鈥 Landin said. 鈥淲e went over the basics, and he automatically latched on. He really loves playing all instruments, but piano, I see that’s where his passion is. I just don鈥檛 think special needs kids always get the credit they deserve.鈥

David鈥檚 classmates have also taken notice.聽

鈥淗e鈥檚 very talented, and I can understand that he loves piano,鈥 said fifth grader Greyson Shaw. 鈥淚 can tell he has a bright future coming up. Some day I want to be just like David.鈥

From left to right: music teacher Sara Landin, David Garcia, Alternative Curriculum teacher Gracelynn Nguyen, assistant principal Brian Gomez

Fifth grader Jossy Lopez agrees.

鈥淗e鈥檚 always super energetic, happy, and he always likes to show me when he鈥檚 done with his songs,鈥 she said.

Nguyen said she hopes David鈥檚 story inspires others to see the potential in every student.聽

鈥淗e has made tremendous growth this past year with academics, behavior, and functional skills,鈥 Nguyen said. 鈥淏ut with piano, we鈥檝e discovered something extraordinary. Seeing him play makes my heart flutter. He鈥檚 amazing.鈥

At Webb Elementary, David鈥檚 journey reflects the school鈥檚 broader mission: to provide opportunities for all students to discover their passions, build confidence, and grow in ways that extend beyond the classroom.

鈥淒avid is so polite and so kind,鈥 Landin said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 more outgoing and more comfortable in the music classroom than when I first had him.鈥

David鈥檚 story is a reminder that when schools create space for exploration, every child can find their voice. At Webb Elementary, that voice just happens to be set to music.