About
What can I say about myself that you would find interesting — that a younger reader might scrape some inspiration from, or an older reader who influences a younger person might share? If I were being true to the reputation of trumpet players, I'd say everything I have to say is inspirational. I've gained enough wisdom not to say that. For what it's worth, here goes — you can be the judge.
Early Years
I think I was born with an appreciation for music, though my folks were not musically inclined themselves. I'd say I had the early beginnings of becoming a musician long before I ever put a trumpet in my hands. I was greatly influenced by the big movies of the day that were just as well known for their scores as for their storylines — Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Patton, The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Longest Day. I'd reenact them with toys while singing or humming those themes, mixing movie soundtracks in with the rock of the day.
What moved me from listening to playing was my older brother's influence. He is 3½ years older and picked up saxophone in the 5th grade — then the only person I knew who could play an instrument. Seeing his success motivated me to pick an instrument when I hit 5th grade.
I've always been lazier than my older brother — even still — and saxophone has a lot of keys. So I tried the trumpet, because it only has three. Little did I know that lazy decision put me on a lifelong path of fulfillment (and frustration). By 8th grade I had excelled to the top of the pack and saved allowance money to trade a rented student horn for a professional Bach. As a freshman I challenged the lead trumpet player for first chair and knocked her down to second — pretty unheard of. She was a good junior player who'd been in someone else's shadow; I also had a crush on her. That's another story.
Formative Years
Throughout high school I enjoyed the same success my brother had, made all-state for three years, and played solos in concert and jazz bands. All-state sealed the deal to study music after high school.
I also joined a local American Legion community band and took lessons from its director. Between that guidance and my high school band director, I had encouragement that mattered. Many players in that Legion band were veterans of the Greatest Generation — an education that didn't end on the music page. My dad had also served as a reservist.
My brother and I both earned a BA in Music Business from the University of Massachusetts.
Military Musician
A euphonium player in the Legion band invited me to audition for the 39th Army Band. It was a paid trumpet job with school money and different styles of music — and it appealed to my respect for service. Commitment: roughly one weekend a month (this band broke it into weekly rehearsals) and two weeks in summer. I took a winter semester off for Army basic training. Primary duty: 02B trumpet. Secondary: perimeter security. Expert marksman. About 2½ years in the 39th Army Band.
After college I followed my brother into computing and California (NAMM internship, then the family business). I transferred to the 40th Infantry Division Band, then auditioned into what became my Air Force home — the 562nd Air Force Band / Air National Guard Band of the Southwest. Unlike the Army path, Air Force musicians focused on the instrument. Roughly twenty years of performing and travel followed; I retired as a Master Sergeant with a small pension and benefits that begin at 60.
The Second Half
Military music had been my main outlet while we built the business and raised a family — best of both worlds, until rank meant more admin and less horn. When I left, I put the horn away. It sat almost exactly three years.
My youngest son's interest in trumpet brought it back. His teacher — a community band director — invited me to sit in. From the back row, I knew I was home. New trumpet for me, Bach for my son, then a flugelhorn; board work; Covid practice with recordings; shared lessons with my son that broke decades-old barriers. I now play better than I did in college, and I play in three bands — section leader in one.
What's Next
As of 2024 I was starting my 51st year and enjoying life: family, business with my brother, racing cars on the side, and this site / YouTube channel to share pieces, opinions, and resources from a section leader's chair. Would anyone be interested? If you read this far, maybe so.
Memory lane
A few more photos from along the way.
