Music-Making

I miss the making of music. I felt that loss when group music-making was taken away by COVID-19. I know others who play musical instruments and/or sing in choruses feel the same way.

I began my musical life when I was 7 years old. Mom made me take piano lessons and exchanged eggs for the lessons each week. I loved playing the piano and even dabbled at composing some piano music. My most famous piece was called Picasso because it was a mish mash of chords and rhythm. In 5^th grade I started playing a cornet and gave up piano lessons.

We had an old cornet in the family that my uncle once played so I was destined for that instrument. I practiced religiously and loved playing in band–marching band, pep band, and concert band as well as small group ensembles. I did not like playing solos, however, and froze whenever it was forced upon me. I relished making music and being part of musical groups. In high school, I switched to playing a borrowed French horn because we needed another horn player in our concert band.

After graduating from high school, I did not play a brass instrument for over 20 years. In 1990 a friend, Leandra, leased a trumpet for me for two months as a birthday gift (she signed herself up as my band parent!). I had talked about wanting to play because I knew a couple other musicians, but it was just daydreaming. I picked the trumpet up and played a recognizable version of my high school’s fight song, On Wisconsin. I soon joined the Durham Community Concert Band. Rehearsals were two hours of each week when I became totally immersed in music without thinking about anything else. I love the concept of community bands because anyone can participate regardless of age, ability, or talent.

For 30 years I have been a mediocre amateur musician. I delight in playing with other music makers and I often feel a well of emotion for the beautiful music I can help create. Playing the Hallelujah Chorus with its great trumpet parts always brings tears to my eyes. I am humbled to play music from contemporary composers such as Edward Elgar (e.g., Nimrod from Enigma Variations) and Eric Whitacre (e.g., October). I have been associated with some inspirational directors/conductors who have transmitted the emotions of music deep to my heart.

Almost a year has passed since I rehearsed or performed with any musical group. At first I didn’t mind. I thought we would be back together soon. After six months, it became obvious that it was not going to happen quickly. Deb, who also plays a cornet, and I decided that we really needed to get our lips back in shape for the time when we could play with the local groups again. Since December holiday concerts were cancelled, we undertook a zoom Christmas Concert for our families and friends. We described our concert as “6^th grade students” playing junior high music. Our zoom guests, however, were appreciative.

Deb and I continue to practice so we are ready to make music with our community band when the time comes. I cherish the opportunity to go back to rehearsals every week and be part of groups aiming to bring concert music, regardless of how sophisticated it is, to the community.