Premier of ‘Peter’s Train’ puts hope, joy to music

At 10 years old, Peter Heath has done more than most people do in a lifetime when it comes to accomplishing something special.

Heath wrote his first children’s book, “The Adventures of Marshmallow and Peter,” at the age of 7 and followed that up with a second book, “Peter’s Train, by the age of 10.

However, this story isn’t simply about a young boy accomplishing something great; it is about embracing life, pursuing joy and reaching beyond limitations.

When Heath was 6 years old, Batten disease — a rare degenerative nervous system disorder — caused blindness in the Loudonville youngster.

But rather than wallow in self-pity, Heath decided to inspire others by writing his book, choosing to follow his dream and embrace life in new ways.

“The Adventures of Marshmallow and Peter” debuted and made an immediate impact on Amazon’s bestseller list. Then came “Peter’s Train,” and Heath’s second written effort caught the eye of a blossoming music composer, Owen Axelberd, currently a composition student at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Axelberd diligently set about putting "Peter’s Train" to music for bands.

On Monday, May 11, the composition “Peter’s Train” made its premier debut at Hiland High School, where the Hiland band has been working on the piece on and off since January, knowing its members would have the honor of performing the piece for the first time at the East Holmes Fine Arts event.

“I’m excited,” Heath said of hearing the song for the first time. “I haven’t heard it yet, and I’m eager to hear it.”

He was more than ready to jump up and down once it started, something he said he does when he gets excited.

Heath’s story was connected to Hiland’s concert band through Sing Me a Story Foundation, which reached out to Zachary Rearick, director of instrumental music at Hiland High School.

“Sing Me a Story reaches out into communities to families who have children who are going through difficult times and rough situations who overcome and end up thriving,” Rearick said.

“Peter’s Train” is based on Heath’s vision of his travels to Disney World with his family. He and his brother are traveling on a train at Disney World, and the train breaks down, only to have Mickey Mouse himself help bring the train roaring back to life.

“We were contacted by Sing Me a Story, who reached out to us,” said Beth Heath, Peter’s mother.

She and her husband Joe were as eager as Peter to hear and witness the premier.

“When Peter was diagnosed at 6 years old, we decided right then that we were going to make the most of the situation, be positive and experience the joy in life,” Beth Heath said.

She said Peter has always wanted to write a book, and that dream became a reality in a short time, getting the initial book published on the first-year anniversary of him being diagnosed.

Sing Me a Story transforms the imaginative stories of children facing significant challenges into original works of music, and it worked in tandem with Peter Heath to create “Peter’s Train.”

It was more than ideal because Heath loves music and is currently taking guitar lessons. Prior to the premier, Heath was diligently picking away on an electric guitar as he anticipated the song making its debut.

“Peter’s Train” grew out of Heath’s love for a train park in which he enjoys playing. The trip to Disney World was folded in, and the story took shape. It eventually found its way to Axelberd, who utilized his talent to compose the story into music.

“It’s a magical adventure,” Beth Heath said. “This has been a wonderful experience for Peter, and we’re excited to have it played for the first time tonight.”

For the Hiland concert band, the opportunity was something they won’t soon forget. After all, how many high school bands get the chance to present the premier of a song?

Rearick said the band has been working hard to learn and perfect the music, and understanding Peter Heath’s inspiring story and his zeal for life served as a motivational factor for them.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our kids,” Rearick said. “We’re honored to be a part of this, especially because nobody has ever heard it other than our band practicing.”

Axelberd provided rough drafts to Rearick last September and the final draft in early January, and the concert band was more than prepared to present this special moment for a special young man whose zeal for finding positives in life created a train ride for all to enjoy.