Tyler has a big imagination and isn’t afraid to use it. Whether he’s envisioning a future as a beluga whale trainer at Mystic Aquarium or a professional DJ, wondering who his next teacher will be, or mixing colors in art class to create entirely new ones, his ideas are vivid and full of creativity. And when Tyler plays the flute, that same brightness lights up his face.

Tyler has been playing the flute since second grade, but his knowledge goes well beyond his years. Whether describing head joints, different flute sizes, or how the instrument is assembled, he speaks with the confidence and vocabulary of a true young musician. Music, Tyler shared, is his superhero power.

“My first flute was a black plastic one, but now I play a silver Trevor James flute made of metal,” he said. “The plastic flute was smaller and only had one head joint. The one I play now is a treble flute.”

He plays in the fourth grade band at Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School, and when he’s not at school, he plays with his mother, Lynn, who is also a flutist. 

“My mom inspired me to start playing the flute, so I wanted to learn,” Tyler said. “Some of the music that we do together are called duets. We like to perform gavottes.”

For Tyler, music and performance aren’t just a hobby. They’re a way to express himself and feel proud of what he can accomplish. Sometimes performing on stage makes him nervous, but he doesn’t let that get in the way. In fact, he shared that facing those nerves helps to build his confidence. This past November, Tyler had a standout performance at the Croton-Harmon High School Frederick Blais Auditorium ribbon-cutting ceremony and the CET production of The SpongeBob Musical. Those experiences had a lasting impact.

“Performing on that stage made me feel proud, brave, happy, and super joyful,” Tyler said.

“We’re grateful that CET creates opportunities for students to share their talents. It’s not just the moment on stage—it’s the grit, perseverance, courage, and confidence behind it,” Lynn said.

At school, he enjoys recess, snack time, and science class. “I like science because we get to do experiments and make super cool stuff,” he said. He also really likes his teacher, Ms. Burke, who he describes as “kind and helpful”.

“Tyler has grown tremendously since second grade, and it’s been incredible to watch him truly shine as both a student and performer,” Ms. Burke said.

“When I found out she was moving up to fourth grade, I had a dream to have her again,” he said.

It’s in art class where Tyler dreams up new colors and experiments with different combinations, giving them names like “Garbage Truck,” “Bluey Dirt,” “Bluey Nights,” and “Doggy Sky.” Art, he says, helps him “go with the flow.”

When he’s not going with the flow in art class, he takes that same energy outside, riding his bike and making the most of every hill with his extra gears.

He’s already been practicing the route to Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School, where he will be heading next year. After visiting the school recently, he’s dreaming up big expectations for fifth grade.

“I am so excited to go to PVC,” he said. “I even know the way to get there.”

With big dreams, creative energy, and a love of music, Tyler is already on his way.