NATCHEZ — The Natchez High School band has become a family for one 16-year-old student who has decided he wants to use his musical talent to help others find themselves in high school.

Robert Drummy, a sophomore co-section leader at NHS, picked up a trumpet and joined the band in sixth grade.

“Band has become my life; music has become my life,” Drummy said.

Things haven’t always been so good, however, for Drummy. Before moving to Natchez, he was bullied in school.

“I was one of the smallest kids in the school and I was really shy,” Drummy said. “I would go home every day and cry.”

When he moved to Natchez, he joined the band to try to make friends. He picked up a new hobby, but also found a passion along the way.

“At first, I used the band to block out the mess in my life,” Drummy said. “But when I got here, I realized I loved it.”

Drummy also enjoys the competition involved with the band.

“When we’re competing, I’ll push myself to the limit, above the meter,” Drummy said. “You’ll see me with a big fat smile on my face with my friends playing my heart out.”

Drummy realized he was musically inclined, and since has picked up the saxophone, trombone, tuba and his favorite, guitar.

His love for music and its impact on his life has led him to decide he wants to attend LSU on a band scholarship and eventually become a band director.

“I’ve been so inspired by directors I’ve had, and I want to do that,” Drummy said. “My job as a director would be to inspire people.” ‘Drummy has the same advice for anyone going through a hard time or thinking about joining the band.

“I would say, ‘Don’t give up,’” Drummy said. “If you fall down, always get back up and keep going.”