Wonderful and surprising things like this don’t happen every day. But on a special day not long ago I received the gift of trumpet.
In some ways this gift was first given to me when I was only eight years old. A local Neenah, Wisconsin couple, George and Phylis, were close friends with my parents, Shirley and Dave, and as a result, our families grew up together.
George played the trumpet in church and I thought that was super cool. I soon caught the virus and playing the trumpet became my life story. I left the neighborhood and the state of Wisconsin to follow my passion, trumpet and not much else in hand. Through various moves and life changes I ended up on the West coast. Fast forward, and now I live and play in Washington, DC. Somewhere in there George passed away.
And one day the gift arrived. It was a trumpet. It was the same Bach Stradivarious I overhauled and plated for George back in 1990. Phylis wanted me to have it.
It’s smaller and brighter than the horn I built for myself, but allows for a greater dynamic range. Think a 1973 MGBGT vs. a 1968 Olds Cutlass F85. It was the perfect option for the strident passages of Borodin’s Prince Igor Overture I played last weekend in the DC Chamber Orchestra concert.
In this holiday season, I feel fortunate to have received this amazing gift, the thought that really counts.
Hello Randy,
Thank you for making Dad’s trumpet sing again. The gift is really for us! I think Dad’s soul is dancing. This brings me joy. Thank you. Play a song for me at Christmas? I will hear it in my bones.
Nameste’
Connie (Nickolas) Stanislaus
Randy,
Thanks for the great tribute to my Dad. There is no one more deserving than you to play this horn for years to come. You are a great man!
Steve
Steve Nickas