 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Wendy
Date: 2001-08-19 18:49
I have been reading this board daily for about five months, mostly as a silent listener and learner. But I would like to share with you the experience I had yesterday. This past week a young volunteer firefighter from a neighboring fire company in our community died in the line of duty. He had already carried three elderly people from their burning apartment building when he went back in to look for hot spots. He collapsed suddenly and died. His funeral was yesterday morning.
Hundreds of firefighters, volunteer & paid, came to show support and pay their last respects. They came from Western New York, all of NY State, surrounding states, and Ontario, Canada. Our fire company band was asked to play at his funeral. It was one of the saddest and most difficult things I have ever done.
Yes, it is possible to play through tears – if the music is close enough – and it is hard to get a “good sound” when your throat is tightened up. But it was an honor to play for this hero who gave his life in service to others. I simply pray that there will never be a need for us to do it ever again.
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2001-08-19 19:30
Beautiful story, Wendy. I would have been honored myself to play for such a man's funeral.
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Author: Ken
Date: 2001-08-19 19:32
I can relate, my Aunt's husband (uncle by marriage) served the city of Los Angeles for 30 years as a Firefighter, the last 10 as the Commanding Battalion Chief for the entire city. He retired in 1980 without incident however, died two years later of lung cancer brought on by long-term exposure to smoke. In tribute at his wake I performed the 2nd movement of the Weber "Duo Concertante" w/ piano and had a tough time concentrating and choking back the tears.
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Author: 7
Date: 2001-08-19 22:54
Oh man. That must have been hard to do.
A friend of mine died and I was asked to mix his favourite music onto a tape to play before and after the funeral. Even THAT was hard. I couldn't picture playing a song for him at the funeral. I don't think I could do it.
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2001-08-20 12:44
several months back one of my teachers young clarinet students died in a car accident a few days before Clarinet Day. I am in my teachers clarinet choir and he dedicated one of the songs (Barbers Adagio for Strings) to this student. at the final note his hand was shaking and he had tears in his eyes. one look at him and i started too. it was bittersweet. it was hard to be composed thruout the piece.
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Author: Joseph O'Kelly
Date: 2001-08-21 05:41
I recently played Ave Maria on the organ at my grandfather's funeral. I had a hard time playing his favorite song through my tears. He introduced me to music and without his support I would have never accomplished all I have done with my music.
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