DERBY, Conn. (WTNH) — When an idea becomes a reality with the support of school leaders, big things can happen. Throw your dancing shoes on for this one but don't tie them because we're heading to Derby.
Meet Derby middle schooler Jack Bouton. He's got a knack for music and he dreams big.
"I would love to go around the world playing music," Bouton said.
You could say he got his start thanks to a band teacher noticing that spark.
"He noticed my playing style and said what if you could find some people to form a band and then the three of us just kind of came together," Bouton said.
Jack, Myles, and Carlos are better known around these halls as "Shoes Untied."
"Most of the time I wear them tied because I like them stationary on my feet but whenever we're playing live, I definitely untie my shoes," Bouton said.
It's more than just three kids playing together, school leaders have embraced them by ordering merchandise, and putting them in for important occasions.
"What we have is called rise rallies each quarter so when we celebrate our students and academic success, the band plays and the kids absolutely love the fact that we have our own rock band," a Derby teacher said.
These student kick up the school spirit and build a fan base among their peers.
"It shows they support us, they like our music," bass guitarist Carlos Bolantost said
The students are encouraged to reach for the stars and express themselves.
"It's almost another way to show yourself. It's almost like music has different emotions," Bouton said.