When the shelter-in-place directive arrived in mid-March, I saw so many of my trumpet playing and teaching opportunities evaporate in the blink of an eye. I was scheduled to play at many senior living facilities and other sites, and I had a standing assignment teaching jazz to middle school students both privately and at Continental Schools in Green Valley.
Since we had the time, my wife Joyce and I started to take walks to get out of the house. During a walk in late March she and I discussed what homebound Italian musicians were doing, playing for their neighbors from their balconies. Unsure of the reception I would receive, I took my trumpet out to our patio and was gratified to get a smattering of applause during my hour long performance. The next day I played outside for the neighbors, but also had Joyce stream my afternoon performance on Facebook Live. I was amazed at who tuned in both locally and friends, grandkids, and cousins around the country, as well as Canada and Mexico.
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It has been more than three months now. Every weekday at 2 p.m., I play a one-hour program inside or outside (weather permitting) and on Facebook Live. I can get up to 40 responses each day. I love to respond to requests and to reconnect with folks. It has been therapeutic for me and from what I can tell, a bright spot in the day for those who tune in.
Analysis: These 9 TUSD schools are at highest risk of merging or closing
