Deaf Student Makes School's History by Joining Marching Band, "I Never Give Up"
One can’t help but think of Beethoven when hearing Michael Gouin’s story about being deaf and playing an instrument.
Woodson High School student Michael Gouin refuses to accept that a person can’t be involved with the school marching band and be deaf at the same time.
The 17-year-old is blazing a trail for all behind him at the school and inspiring those around him.
He is the first deaf student to be a part of the Virginia school’s band, according to WJLA.
“They told me that they have never seen people who are deaf in a marching band,” Gouin said.
While Beethoven played the piano, Gouin’s instrument of choice is the snare drum.
Those who watch and hear the band at Woodson High would never know one of the members can’t hear the music.
One Woodson HS junior has found a way to march to the beat of his own drum.🥁 Michael Gouin is deaf, but you wouldn’t know if you listened to him play his snare drum. Read more about Michael’s inspirational story.https://t.co/7jytf0G4tX #DisabilityAwarenessMonth pic.twitter.com/CVSPC7nJ72
— Fairfax Schools 🌟 (@fcpsnews) October 26, 2022
“One Woodson HS junior has found a way to march to the beat of his own drum. Michael Gouin is deaf, but you wouldn’t know if you listened to him play his snare drum,” the school district tweeted.
“I am deaf so I can’t hear, but I can feel it vibrating. So that’s why the bass is very loud. You can feel it vibrating, right?” Gouin said.
So how does he do it? Well, that’s a great question!
He started out using an American Sign Language interpreter, but once he got acclimated to his instrument and being a part of the band, he then switched to using a Cochlear implant.
At that point, the interpreter was no longer necessary for the games.
“I feel [like I’m] a normal person, just like them,” Gouin said in a video interview posted by WJLA.
He said he doesn’t really see himself as being special or any different from anyone else.
SO INSPIRING ❤️🥁 17-year-old Michael Gouin says he spends his days proving people wrong after becoming the FIRST deaf drummer to join his high school band. 👏https://t.co/C90mfhq5lP
— 7News DC (@7NewsDC) November 11, 2022
While the Cochlear implant is helpful, it isn’t a perfect fix.
Gouin said if the battery dies, he is unable to hear anything at all, but he can at least still see the drum major.
“Being deaf doesn’t mean you can’t do anything,” Gouin said.
He encourages others to at least give something a try and see what happens.
“So just like I joined a marching band, and never gave up. We’re just like a normal person,” he said.
Once he graduates, he’s considering attending Galludet University and trying out for the Baltimore Ravens marching band.
