A New Old Trumpet

One night as I was getting ready to leave the shelter after reading to the younger kids, I saw David (age 10) in the office trying to resurrect an old abandoned trumpet.  It seemed rather hopeless.

I learned that he plays the trumpet at school.  I also learned how much he would really like an instrument he could call his own.  Possessions are especially important when you are homeless.

So I recently put out the word to all the people I know who either play the trumpet themselves or are in an orchestra of some sort.  I was willing to pay for an instrument, but not too much.

The only real offer I got came from Blogger Cyndy’s husband, who is a professional trombonist:

I have a "Regent" trumpet/cornet (Ohio Band Instrument Co.) from about 1940.  It's a quality built horn, not junk, and it's in excellent condition.  It's a special short instrument for smaller kids, sort of a cross between a trumpet and a cornet, but it takes a cornet mouthpiece, which is slightly different from a trumpet mouthpiece.   It has a case but no mouthpiece.  I'm working on finding a mouthpiece for it.

He did indeed find a mouthpiece for it and proposed a price I couldn’t refuse.  So tonight he dropped it off before going to a gig.  He had also included a brush and cleaning fluid.  The case is a little worn, but the horn is a beauty.  I only wish I could play it.

Now I am in search of someone who could give young David a few lessons, both in the care of his new trumpet and how to play it.  It seems like the perfect community service project for a teenager.  But it might also be fun for an older musician who would like to pass along his knowledge to a younger generation.

I’ve decided not to give David the trumpet until I find this person to get him started down the right path.  I’m sure just the right person will come along, just as the trumpet itself appeared.
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At intermission at tonight's NSO concert, a young Temple Micah member who goes to Duke Ellington High School and will be off to play the trumpet at a conservatory next year, came up to me to say he would love to work with David.  He is absolutely perfect to be a trumpet mentor.  I just know this is going to work out well!