“Just your typical teenager” are words you never would use to describe Fulton High School senior Caleb Lukkarila. Unless your idea of the average teenager is a polite, responsible, humble, hardworking, friendly young man, who fully recognizes and appreciates the blessings in his life. But, don’t let this quiet maturity fool you. It’s simply cover art for the soul of a jazz showman. A gifted alto saxophonist, Caleb takes to the spotlight like the rest of us take to the couch. While many kids, and grown-ups, spend years trying to fi nd their place in the world, Caleb came upon his in a rare moment of typical adolescence—by trying to look cool. When made to choose an instrument as part of his school band requirement, sixth-grade Caleb admittedly didn’t even know what a saxophone sounded like. He just thought it looked cool. Little did he know that while he was busy looking cool on the outside, he forever was changing on the inside. Gone was the shy boy. Confi dent, accomplished Caleb was taking over, one note at a time. A presentation at his high school by a Joy of Music School staff member two years ago inspired the young musician to expand his music network beyond the high school marching and concert bands. And expand it, he did, via JoMS volunteer teachers Joe Jordan and Lynlee Robinson, and jazz great Jerry Coker. Coker calls him “one of the most talented students I’ve known in my 55 years of teaching.” Recognizing that Caleb belongs on big stages, the School also has sent Caleb to the prestigious Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop for two summers. “The Joy of Music School has given me the best education I could ever dream of,” says Caleb. “Aside from the amazing musicians I get to play with, [Director of Education] Julie Carter has been so helpful and supportive of my life beyond music.” Though many listening to him play would swear he was born with a gift, Caleb is convinced that it simply takes hard work, like the many hours of practice he puts in. With the School’s continued guidance and his work ethic, his dream of continuing his music education at the University of Tennessee may well come true.