Some Covington children who had their music program cut in school are finding a new way to express their talents. The city's assistant police chief is teaching them to play instruments in a drum corp. Local 12's Angela Ingram visited the class on Monday night to find out how he's hoping this extracurricular activity will help them in the classroom.

The idea is to give the children something positive to do. The assistant police chief wants to get the kids in school, and keep them from coming through the police station.  And, it's a chance for them to see an officer as a mentor.

A Monday night drum lesson has these Covington children excited about learning and they're paying close attention to their teacher. Spike Jones is their mentor by night -- Covington's Assistant Police Chief by day.  He's been dedicating time to teaching kids a skill he practiced through college.

Lt. Colonel Jones started teaching the group two years ago. The drum corp is replacing music lessons that are no longer offered in some of the city's schools. "I know that kids that are involved just do better academically."

In addition to showing their parents their skills, two students also get captain bars for their leadership skills and, some Gold Star coneys for a snack. Colonel Jones is hoping these kids take the skills they're learning now with them throughout life. "For me it's fun because it gets me doing something everyday."

"It's fun and it give me something to do after school."

"Drumming, I love drumming. Drumming is my life."

The group gets all of its equipment through donations including uniforms. They recently played at the city's peace rally and March against Violence. Right now, the class has about 10 students. Assistant Chief Jones says periodically, more children who hear of the group show-up at the Oasis Center for lessons.