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19-year-old Hoosier saxophonist in national competition

Posted at 10:27 PM, Nov 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-22 01:47:35-05

INDIANAPOLIS -- A 19-year-old Hoosier is living his dreams as a saxophone sensation. 

Bryan Thompson, who started playing when he was just 9-years-old, is one of the finalists for the Apollo Theater's Amateur Night Top Dog show in New York. 

Thompson, who is partially deaf in his right ear, began playing at 9-years-old - before he even had a real saxophone. 

"I made one, I made one because I couldn't afford the family couldn't afford one. They were very expensive and I was so serious about doing music," said Thompson "so I got some foil, made it hollow, put some nails in it, and it made sound."

The Broad Ripple High School graduate is now a student at Indiana University, and he's a performer in demand. 

He recently released his first CD and regularly performs nationally and here at home. 

But he says his biggest achievement so far, is competing on the world famous stage of the Apollo Theater.

He'll compete in the Amateur night finals Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. 

Hear Bryan talk about his love of playing the saxophone and where it all started in the video player above.