Taps-One to Remember

Today was a day I will never forget.  I had the honor of playing Taps for the first time in my career.  The performance was very near and dear to my heart, as I played at the funeral of a QPD officer who my father worked with.  

Today is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, which made this experience even more memorable.  I had the privilege to rehearse with the QPD Colorguard prior to the funeral.  Through this, I was able to interact with the officers and get to know some of the people my father works with.   After the funeral, I was able to have lunch with my dad.  

Overall, today has been one to remember.  Playing Taps is an honor, but playing for someone who you can relate to makes it even more honorable.  I will never forget this opportunity that I was given my my father and the Quincy Police Department. 

Thank you to all of the men and women who are protecting our communities, counties, states, and country.  Each day when an officer puts his/her uniform on, he/she takes a risk of not coming home at the end of shift.  Never forget that.  May God always be with the officers and keep them safe. And may He also be with the families of the officers to help them through whatever challenges they may face.  

The truth of a practice log...

Since September 2012, I have kept a daily practice log for my trumpet.  At the end of every year, I total up the number of days that I did not touch my trumpet.  Each year the total shocks me.

As 2014 came to an end, I totaled up the number of days that I didn't play my trumpet.  When I looked at the total, I was speechless.  There were a total of 100 days in 2014 where I didn't play my trumpet.  I am ashamed that the total is that high...but it explains a lot.

So, as the new year begins, I am making a goal that at the end of 2015, my total number of days without playing will be no greater than 30.  That means that I am allowed two rest days a month, plus six extra days for when I absolutely can not practice.