Beat of the drum: Band member plays with disability in wheelchair

PERRYSBURG, Ohio — When the Perrysburg High School marching band takes the field at Steinecker Stadium on Friday night, it will mark the regular season finale for the Yellow Jackets. The group has not only been featured as WTOL 11’s Band of the Week, but has a special member of the drum line, too.

Listening to their sound, you wouldn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. In the back, though, sits sophomore Riley Lammie.

“It’s easier to perform on turf than grass,” Lammie, who uses a wheelchair, said. “With the grass, it’s all bumpy and stuff but with turf, it’s mostly flat.”

She was born with a condition known as osteogenesis imperfecta, which means she has fragile bones. Lammie can walk, but said it’s easier for her to move with a wheelchair or walker.

Despite the challenge, she hasn’t let her disability stop the tune of participating in band, which she’s done since fifth grade.

“I just love being a part of Riley’s experience,” her paraprofessional, Janet Smith, said. “I love being her legs during rehearsals and games.”

Smith began serving as an aide to Lammie in August. She helps push her into formation while also trying to not step on any toes.

“She was pretty tough on me, making sure I would go where I’m supposed to go,” Smith said. “She’s telling me ‘go here, go there.'”

Their relationship has synchronized into harmony and it is all made possible because of a personalized setup that merges Lammie’s drum to her wheelchair.

“It’s awesome to see her have that drum in front of her and be able to play with the rest of her fellow students,” Smith said. “I think that’s really cool.”

Although she may not think about it while performing, Lammie’s presence on the field can be an inspiration to others.

“Just hope that they can also eventually be a part of the band like they want if they want to,” Lammie said.