Broken Arrow School Security Guard Teaches Students Confidence Through Music

Broken Arrow's Option Academy has formed a student band.

With the help of an unlikely teacher, these students are learning different beats and melodies.

Guitar, drums, vocals, and piano make up Broken Arrow's Options Academy student band.

They are finding their rhythm with the help of Derrek Younger.

"Right now, we are working on a song called Learning to Fly by Pink Floyd," he said.

While Derrek is teaching the kids about chords and tempos, he's technically not a teacher---he's actually a security officer.

Derrek started teaching acoustic guitar at the school three years ago.

Through fundraisers and donations, he was able to buy more equipment so more students could be involved.

"It started growing pretty quick,” Younger said. “It's rewarding to watch something click. It’s fun to watch that lightbulb come on. Just that moment of, I get it now."

That moment happened for Charlie Smith--the lead singer.

"Working with Derrek has been great,” he said. “I have learned a lot from him about singing. I have gotten more confident with my singing because of him, and I am able to put myself out there."

"It's cool to watch them start to get rid of the not the stage fright so much,” said Younger. “I tell them stage fright is a good thing; it's what drives you to be a better performer. It’s fun to watch them start to embrace that."

Embracing the Rock and Roll lifestyle.

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