Patricia C. | Trumpet & Trombone | April 2, 2017
My musical journey started young, and in my mind. I sang Away in a Manger to the waves in IB, as they would not complain. I had six older sisters, and neither they nor my folks liked my volume capacity.
I pined for an instrument but was sent out to remedial classes during music time, coming back to class just as the students were putting away their clarinets. My closest friends played clarinet and flute in the Mar Vista Jr. High band. I secretly marched along side them, fake playing an instrument. Then one great night, at a youth group meeting at the Chula Vista Salvation Army, Captain Bob J. asked us if we wanted to learn an instrument! I do not remember choosing baritone, maybe all of the trumpets were already picked, but I do remember learning my first five notes that night…and bringing that huge instrument home!
My mom was NOT pleased. When I practiced I had to stick a towel in the bell. With my borrowed baritone I joined the MVHS band and marched terribly (Left??? Right???). I borrowed a trumpet (the Green Goddess, a Getzen so beat up that we had to edit my music for the notes it would play in tune) and played badly until someone stole my trumpet at band camp the following summer. That ended instrumental music for me, but not the passion to play.
After working at McDonalds for a year, I saved $70 to buy a Conn Director Cornet. I had my own horn and I played only for myself, as my performance history was spotty at best. After I got married, I’d take out the horn and work up Christmas music, played for my babies and animals. When my first son was in 2nd grade, he began in-school violin lessons with Ricki P. I bought a violin of my own with a $100 bill my father gave me when I finished my Associate’s Degree. My friend told me to trade trumpet help for violin lessons at the school and I found someone who nourished my desire to play and did not mind my inexperience. Ricki taught me everything I know about music and encouraged me to try to teach, one page ahead of the students. I learned to play trombone and was the worst player in JazzTrax, a wonderful community band made up of our fabulous students. When I began student teaching, I was no longer in a band, and work consumed most of my life until Janine D. said the Coronado Concert Band could use more trombone players. I played without confidence between Dale S. and Tom L. that first Christmas season (I played so badly I cried after the concert while I walked around Coronado for a half hour looking for my car) and never left. The guys helped me gain my confidence back by their off-color humor and quiet guidance.
A few seasons later, there were 8 trombone players and 1 lone trumpet, so I jumped over to the trumpet section. When there are enough trumpets I play low brass, and go back and forth as needed. Being in bands has inspired me to find that kid, who really wants to play, but just does not have the path. I have taught Special Ed for 12 years and began two after school bands including my kids. I now teach music to 800 kids and share with them the knowledge that passion is more important than talent. Hey, you want to play in a band? I can teach you…