"Here we play band instruments, so trumpet, flute, clarinet, saxophone. We started a drumline program after school and so we also have some precision instruments as well," Lizarde said.
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For some of these students, music is a new hobby and for others, it's a passion just like it is for Lizarde.
"It's something that I feel. It's in my heart and that's what I try to instill in my students," Lizarde said.
Lizarde teaches band and music production to middle schoolers.
His dedication hasn't gone unnoticed.
"He really is a leader. He's kind of isolated. He's our one and only music teacher at our campus and so he has a lot to compete with in terms of other content areas and the students just really enjoy being with him," said Marrya Walter, assistant principle at Leona Jackson middle school.
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That dedication is why he got a big surprise.
ABC's Abbott Elementary and DonorsChoose teamed up for a special give-back initiative for teachers and the community.
Lizarde was chosen for the Abbott Elementary teacher spotlight and DonorsChoose gave him $1,000.
"Oh it's great. I mean especially this year, because we want to start that drumline program. We are in need of two bass drums and a couple snare drums, so I'm excited. I know my students are excited," Lizarde said.
You can watch Abbot Elementary Wednesdays on ABC at 9 p.m.
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