Trumpet Fest 2012

Details: 27 January 2012

Every once in awhile, I will pound out the notes of the song, "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" from the musical "Oklahoma" when passing a piano. Invariably, if others are in earshot, I often hear, "I had no idea you knew how to play the piano, Father!"

"I don’t," I always say.

As a little boy, my parents signed me up for piano lessons with Mrs. Yechout. I will never forget those lessons as long as I live. I cannot remember how long my lessons lasted, but after a while, because of my insistence, I quit. The only thing I remember is the song, "Oh What a Beautiful Morning."

Quitting piano lessons is one of the two childhood decisions I regret most, the other is retiring from baseball in the seventh grade (because of my allergy to bench splinters). I retired with a lifetime average of .333 (I only batted three times).

I am reminded of the former regret every February for the last eight years when I hear the talented Dorothy Applegate play the piano as she accompanies the talented trumpet players in our annual "Trumpet Fest," without using any sheet music.

That said, I am delighted to announce that our ninth annual Trumpet Fest will be held Sunday Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. in the auditorium at Pius High School in Lincoln.

Every year, Kevin Murray of Murray’s for Men of Stature coordinates this wonderful event. This year our performers include, Kevin Murray, Mac McCune, Darryl White, Dorothy Applegate, Barb Schmit, Dean Haist, Jeff Patton, Brad Obbink, Debbie Bouffard, UNL Trumpet Studio students, and back by popular demand, fourth-grader Maria Pytlik. Other performers will be later announced.

Every year I am amazed at the talent and quality of the music. Not only were all of our musicians smart enough not to quit their music lessons as children, they all have been blessed by Almighty God with incredible talent.

During the event, a hat will be passed for a free-will offering which will help us assist poor and needy individuals and families across the diocese. I hope to see you there for a little dose of ‘good music.’ Thanks for your love for Jesus who lives in the poor and please remember you are in our prayers!