My Brother's Horn

My cousin David's son, Brad, is in high school now (so hard to believe - they do grow up fast), and plays the trumpet. Emulating a number of the males in my family who have served, he wants to go to the Naval Academy. He's got his eye on a musical scholarship.

My brother and I were both in band during high school. I was fortunate enough to catch the tail end of the legendary J.B. Field's run as bandmaster at Asheboro High. The state contest "superiors" flowed like water in those days. Those were good times, and I made some of the best friends of my life in band . . . the kind I can still call at 2 AM.

I played trombone (J.B. told my Mama it was the hardest instrument to play - but I always thought the sly old musical fox was just taking advantage of my long arms). I was fairly good - but certainly not gifted - and spent my junior high & high school musical career going up and down the line (usually between 1st and 4th chairs - most of the time 2nd or 3rd - because there was this one girl who could make that slide smoke like a demon). I loved being in the band - alas, I never really applied myself or practiced much at all. I suppose it was an ADD thing. But even back then, I was a fairly practical girl. So when the time came to talk about a fancier horn (like a silver "bone" with an F-attachment . . . it virtually eliminates the need for the 6th & 7th positions, and allows for a few more tones), I told Mama, "No thanks". I did not see myself doing music at the university level. I had my sights on medical school. It was just not going to be worth spending the money. I would make due with what I had.

It's a good thing too. Forced to play in the band at my own high-school graduation, during one of my less-than-practical moments, I actually tossed the trombone up in the air (it wasn't a big toss) and bent the slide.

On the other hand, my brother played a fairly mean trumpet - and he did apply himself. So when the time came to talk about upgrades, he got a gorgeous silver Bach Stradivarius horn. Back then, it was a $700-800 instrument. These days they can sell for $2000 or more.

I have since become the keeper of the Johnson family instruments. A number of years back, even though I long ago "lost my lip", I had my trombone repaired and the trumpet reconditioned. It was a nostalgic move . . . coupled with a vague hope to perhaps someday pass them on to the children I never had.

For years, they both sat in my living room. Where the Strad was concerned, it was kind of sad. For she was all dressed up with no one to play her and nowhere to go.

Weekend before last, during my visit to Aunt Chricket's, David and his wife Ruth came by Saturday night and volunteered that they were looking for a better horn for Brad . . . because he wanted a shot at a musical scholarship at the Academy. They bemoaned the cost of the silver beasts.

Struck with sudden inspiration, I pro-offered a loan of the horn. They readily accepted.

So this past Monday, after fully insuring the trumpet through my homeowner's policy, I wrapped the case up in bubble wrap and shredded grocery bags, and shipped the horn up to Virginia.

Enclosed was a card, advising Brad that this horn needed to be played, and cared for, and go places.

Of course, it also needs to be guarded;)

I am quite sure that all of the above will happen. This Boy is going to make this horn real again! And it makes my heart sing.

The trumpet arrived safely, and Brad called tonight to offer his thanks. I have discussed it all with my brother, and if Brad actually gets that scholarship to the Naval Academy, we may turn the loan into a gift.

After all, it's the fricking Naval Academy!

But NO PRESSURE, Brad;)