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Young Pasco musician's dreams fulfilled by a neighbor

 
GAIL DIEDERICH | Special to the Times Natanael Calero, a band student at John Middle School, exchanges a handshake of thanks with Harry Williamson, neighbor to the Calero family and retired Hillsborough County middle school band director. Williamson gave the instrument to Natanael when he learned that Natanael’s dream was to play saxophone.
GAIL DIEDERICH | Special to the Times Natanael Calero, a band student at John Middle School, exchanges a handshake of thanks with Harry Williamson, neighbor to the Calero family and retired Hillsborough County middle school band director. Williamson gave the instrument to Natanael when he learned that Natanael’s dream was to play saxophone.
Published March 5, 2019

WESLEY CHAPEL — Natanael Calero, 13 and in eighth grade, liked playing his trumpet in the John Long Middle School band, but his sights were set on the saxophone.

What seemed like an answer to a prayer was about to unfold.

"I love hearing saxophone music," said Natanael, whose music interest was birthed in fifth-grade music class at Sand Pine Elementary.

When Natanael moved to middle school, he went straight for band with music teacher Adam Hollenbeck. He started on the trumpet.

"At first I was afraid to play," he said. "Then it clicked for me and was easy." His parents, Christine and Gamaliel Calero, supported him. Natanael recently earned a spot in Pasco's All-County band.

He practiced a lot at home, the notes floating outside where Harry Williamson walked Harley, his Labradoodle. He would stop to soak in Natanael's music.

"Mm-hmm! There's some talent," Williamson said he thought to himself. He would know. Williamson is the retired middle school band director from Hillsborough County's Pierce Middle School and is a music teacher at B.C. Graham Elementary School.

"I'd stand on the street and listen. I was so inspired," Williamson said.

One day, Gamaliel Calero was on a walk, as well, and the neighbors chatted.

"I hear your son playing. He's got something very special," Williamson said he told him. The father shared that Natanael hoped to play saxophone.

"He wants to play saxophone? Wait right here," said Williamson, heading to his garage. He returned carrying a music case, and inside was a 35-year-old alto saxophone.

"I want to give this to your son," Williamson said he told him.

In 2016, a receptionist at Sunshine Animal Hospital — Harley's place of care —- had given the saxophone to Williamson. She said he'd know what to do with it. For months, it sat in Williamson's garage.

"My heart was flipping when I saw it," Natanael said.

Natanael put his lips on the saxophone and notes of the familiar hymn "Amazing Grace" filled the room. A huge smile crept across Williamson's face. Natanael's parents beamed.

"Music makes me happy," said Natanael, who plans to play with Wiregrass Ranch High's marching band and jazz band.

The instrument he will play? The saxophone, with guidance from Williamson, if needed.

Gail Diederich is a retired Pasco County teacher of 32 years. She writes feature stories with an education focus for Pasco and Hernando counties. She can be reached at gdiederich@gmail.com.