My son had a simple trumpet lesson, and learned the power of music. [View all]
His private trumpet teacher is known for being one of the best trumpet teachers in the area. She is a professor in the music department of a well-known college. Her husband is the music director. Both play the trumpet.
At my son's lesson this week, she brought out "Taps". I was sitting on her waiting room couch trying to decipher the NYT's crossword puzzle; but had to stop and listen as they began to play the piece together in her studio. It was so beautiful. When the lesson was over and they came out, she told us a story...
A few years ago, early on a Memorial Day morning, her husband came to her with his trumpet in hand and said, "I am going to the cemetery."
She looked at him for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay. Let me get my trumpet."
When they arrived at the cemetery, they didn't speak. They knew what they were there for, and each found a spot at different corners. They faced each other. Her husband began. The first line of "Taps" floated hauntingly across the graves. She replied in turn. And so they played.
They do this every Memorial Day now. She stands on one end, he on the other, and they play "Taps" to one another across the graves. Then, they silently leave and go to the next cemetery. Sometimes they are alone, but usually there are people visiting their fallen loved ones. Most of them are moved to tears and thank them for coming.
When my son left the lesson, he was deep in thought. "That sounds sad, Mama." he said. "And beautiful."
I nodded.
"Maybe someday I will do that."
"I would be very proud if you did."
He held my hand as we walked to the car.
Happy Memorial Day to All.
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