Nadi The Triumph Of Love CD

By age five, Reggie learned to read music and the fundamentals of musicianship. It would be several years; however, before he would play and develop his musical talent. Not because he did not desire to, but because he was physically unable to. Reggie was born with Ataxic Cerebral Palsy (ACP), a chronic condition that affects muscle coordination and depth perception. Affected persons often have poor coordination and walk unsteadily with a wide based gait. Wanting to give him every chance at having a normal life, his parents agreed to have him undergo a series of surgeries. By the age of 13, Reggie had endured nine surgeries where muscles were alternately cut and transferred from his elbow, wrist, and right tricep to improve his finger dexterity. Additionally, muscles were cut from his leg to offer more mobility and make it easier to walk.

Reggie discovered that music could transcend him to a place of tranquility and offer a way to escape from the stress of life with a disability. Immersing himself in his music, Reggie was encouraged to join his school band where he found acceptance from his peers. And the ridicule he once encountered from his school mates was replaced with respect for his talent as a musician. His father Ray helped him develop his skills and he learned improvisation and other musical concepts. He was also encouraged to stay focused and never give up on his dream of becoming a successful musician.