Taps
Music Speaks.
Monday was Memorial Day. A day to honor those brave men and women who died fighting for our freedom and liberty.
A few days before, I was asked by one of my teachers if I would like to play “Taps” and various other patriotic songs for Memorial Day. The requirement would be: learn the songs, practice the songs, and play in front of my house at 3:00pm on Memorial Day. My audience would be anyone who cares to listen, or anyone who happens to be walking their dog and can’t help but listen. Sorry. Not sorry.
To be honest, I wasn’t familiar with the song “Taps.” Yes, I’ve heard it before, but I have never attempted to play it. I went to YouTube, a place where everyone goes to learn something, or inadvertently learn something.
I clicked on various different tutorials of the song “Learning Taps on trumpet.” or “Taps tutorial for Trumpet.” After randomly selecting different trumpet tutorial videos on playing Taps, I found the CBS video about playing taps in the front yard to pay tribute on Memorial Day 2020. It’s called #tapsacrossamerica “A Memorial Day salute to our lost heroes.”
The idea was started by Air Force bugler Jari Villanueva, founder of #Tapsforveterans and CBS corresponding Steve Hartman. The idea started when Mr. Hartman heard a man playing “Taps” in a quiet suburban town. The man decided to play “Taps” on his deck as the sun was setting. A curious thing happened: his neighbors came out to listen. They all stood at attention and listened to the solemn but patriotic tune waft through the air.
Using YouTube as my teacher. Not always a safe bet, but I decided to give it a try. It took me part of Sunday (along with my regular practice) and most of Monday to practice those 24 notes to the best of my abilities.
At exactly three o’clock on Monday, it was time to try it out. Carefully cradling my 1949 Martin Large Bore Trumpet, I set out to my front yard. The first time I played, I made a few mistakes. I wasn’t too pleased with myself. To be honest, I was a little embarrassed. I might as well have been standing naked in the yard. Playing the trumpet by myself is very humbling. There are no band members to back me up if I mess up. I tried again. I cracked a note. 😒 “Ugh!” A nice person walked by to congratulate me. That gave me the incentive to push forward. I tried again. I cracked two notes. 😫 😫 I tried again. I played the whole thing without cracking a note. 😁🇺🇸 People drove by in their cars waving and honking in agreement. I was relieved. Good, I must’ve done something right. I played it again. 👍 Then I played it in a different key. Level up… 🇺🇸🇺🇸 I followed with a different song, “My Country Tis of Thee.” More people drove by (I live on a busy street). They yelled out their car windows “Yay! Wooo! Waving and honking their car horns. I focused… I played again. Each time sounding a little bit better. I gave a thumbs up to a person walking their dog. 👍 I waved at the two women who stopped to listen. I played on my rooftop. I cracked a few more notes. 😒 I started to get frustrated with myself. 😖 I took a deep breath. I tried again. I caught myself saying out loud, “Well, that’s better.” I turned to my mom. I examined her face for her approval, “Was that better? What do you think? I think it sounds good? Good? Right?” 🧐👍🇺🇸 She agreed, and suggested that I take a break.
I ignored her advice and I played a few more times. I played until my lips turned purple. I played to the sound of neighborhood kids jumping on the trampoline and playing basketball. With the smell of barbecue distracting me. I went inside. Put my trumpet in the case. I took a break, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the few notes that I got wrong. I played them in my mind.
That evening, before sunset, I asked my parents if they could drive me to the beach so I could play “Taps” at the beach. They agreed and just before sunset, I played “Taps.” I played to the best of my ability, while socially distancing onlookers gave their patriotic approval. It wasn’t much. But it wasn’t for me. That’s why it had to be right. When it is for someone who gave their all, I had to give my all.
The next day, my grandma died. I thought about “Taps.” A song that evokes sorrow but also instills peace. Sending off another soldier. A nurse. My grandmother. Although she didn’t die from COVID-19. She was a nurse on the Front Lines, someone who always helped others.
This week, I found it especially difficult to continue reading, to continue schoolwork and my music. But, it was also a much needed distraction, especially since I can’t travel to Georgia to be with my grandfather right now. I read chapters 14 and 15 in TKM. Dill ran away from home! Whoa… This is not in the movie! That’s why the book is always better! Plus, I have serious FOMO. At the end of chapter 14 Scout asked Dill, “Why do you reckon Boo Radley’s never run off? Dill sighed a long sigh and turned away from me. “Maybe he doesn’t have anywhere to run off to…” (164) Good point, Scout! Even better point, Dill! If this doesn’t make you feel more sorry for Boo Radley, nothing will. Does this make Scout appreciate her family even more? Reading that line makes me sad, but it also makes me think of my own family. The ties we have to one another should never be taken for granted. This brings me to Chapter 15. Jem stands up for Atticus and Scout stands up for Jem. They rely on the inherent strength from one another as a family. The youngest family member, Scout defuses the angry mob situation by singling out Walter Cunningham. She talks to him as an individual. “Don’t you remember me, Mr. Cunningham? I’m Jean Louise Finch. You brought us some hickory nuts one time, remember?” (175) This embarrasses Walter Cunningham and the whole mob. One single child stops an angry mob and restores peace. At first, it was Atticus who set out to protect Tom, but the whole family coming together (especially Scout) is what makes the difference.
It really shows me, that even if you’re young, you can make a difference and contribute.