Background music to the theme of "Trumpet Initiatives"
No matter how much our family struggled financially, my dad always gave to others. This admirable strength of his character sometimes blew a detectable tune of tension through our household. The tune played during times when his humble gift of giving remained steadfast while we experienced our own family financial crisis of a sort. Although very familiar with my dad's nature to help and give to others, it was not until after he passed away that I particularly appreciated just how much: The multitude and assortment of mail from organizations seeking his continued support poured in nonstop for months after he was gone. All I could do was simply laugh.
One of the fundamental lessons that my dad used to teach to all of his trumpet students was focused on the importance of good embouchure. By definition, an embouchure is the “manner in which the lips and tongue are applied to the mouthpiece” of a woodwind or brass instrument. But the critical aspect of embouchure reveals a clear message about practice, endurance, and finding balance between tension and air flow – the quintessence of producing the pure, sonorous tone that can be beautifully achieved on the trumpet. And it is precisely what enables a trumpet player to eventually reach those impressive high Cs. The aim of developing good embouchure places emphasis on balance and breath… probably why the whole concept stuck with me for so long!
A compassionate heart merged with a trumpeter’s embouchure seems a fitting piece in my present journey and represents the framework for “Trumpet Initiatives.” The foundations listed on this page all hold a place of meaningful significance in my life. I plan to contribute half of any funds raised for my “Go Find Me” campaign in equal distribution to each organization. In the long run, I hope to personally be able to continue supporting these initiatives in some way.
UPDATE (July 2025): It only took me how many years? Rather than donating half of the amount contributed by family and friends to my cheesy heartfelt "find me" campaign all those years ago, I was able to surprisingly match the amount instead. The $300 raised at the time literally helped me stay afloat during an extremely difficult time in my life, and I remain thankful to this day. Matching that amount allowed me to give $75 to each of these amazing organizations. Spread the love!
One of the fundamental lessons that my dad used to teach to all of his trumpet students was focused on the importance of good embouchure. By definition, an embouchure is the “manner in which the lips and tongue are applied to the mouthpiece” of a woodwind or brass instrument. But the critical aspect of embouchure reveals a clear message about practice, endurance, and finding balance between tension and air flow – the quintessence of producing the pure, sonorous tone that can be beautifully achieved on the trumpet. And it is precisely what enables a trumpet player to eventually reach those impressive high Cs. The aim of developing good embouchure places emphasis on balance and breath… probably why the whole concept stuck with me for so long!
A compassionate heart merged with a trumpeter’s embouchure seems a fitting piece in my present journey and represents the framework for “Trumpet Initiatives.” The foundations listed on this page all hold a place of meaningful significance in my life. I plan to contribute half of any funds raised for my “Go Find Me” campaign in equal distribution to each organization. In the long run, I hope to personally be able to continue supporting these initiatives in some way.
UPDATE (July 2025): It only took me how many years? Rather than donating half of the amount contributed by family and friends to my cheesy heartfelt "find me" campaign all those years ago, I was able to surprisingly match the amount instead. The $300 raised at the time literally helped me stay afloat during an extremely difficult time in my life, and I remain thankful to this day. Matching that amount allowed me to give $75 to each of these amazing organizations. Spread the love!
Foundations listed in no particular order -
Farm Aid: "Great music, supporting farmers, and strengthening America since 1985" - working to promote "fair farm policies and grassroots organizing campaigns designed to defend and bolster family farm-centered agriculture"
Hey U.G.L.Y (Unique-Gifted-Lovable-You): "Empowering YOUth to be part of the solution to bullying, substance abuse, and youth suicide" - turning "negative self-talk and situations into positives"
The Nature Conservancy (the Adirondack Chapter): "conserve the lands and water on which all life depends" - specifically working to protect the Adirondack region in upstate New York
NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws): working to amend criminal marijuana prohibition and advocate for consumer access "through a system of legalization, taxation, regulation, and education"
Hands of Hope: committed to helping entire communities of women and children in Africa by providing "the sustainable tools they need to feed families, educate children, improve health, and become economically sufficient"
Big Brothers Big Sisters (of Berks County): mission is to "provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever"
National Foundation for Cancer Research: focused on supporting and funding research "relating to the prevention, early diagnosis, better treatments and ultimately, a cure for cancer"
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: leading the fight against suicide - a mission to "fund research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss"
Farm Aid: "Great music, supporting farmers, and strengthening America since 1985" - working to promote "fair farm policies and grassroots organizing campaigns designed to defend and bolster family farm-centered agriculture"
Hey U.G.L.Y (Unique-Gifted-Lovable-You): "Empowering YOUth to be part of the solution to bullying, substance abuse, and youth suicide" - turning "negative self-talk and situations into positives"
The Nature Conservancy (the Adirondack Chapter): "conserve the lands and water on which all life depends" - specifically working to protect the Adirondack region in upstate New York
NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws): working to amend criminal marijuana prohibition and advocate for consumer access "through a system of legalization, taxation, regulation, and education"
Hands of Hope: committed to helping entire communities of women and children in Africa by providing "the sustainable tools they need to feed families, educate children, improve health, and become economically sufficient"
Big Brothers Big Sisters (of Berks County): mission is to "provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever"
National Foundation for Cancer Research: focused on supporting and funding research "relating to the prevention, early diagnosis, better treatments and ultimately, a cure for cancer"
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: leading the fight against suicide - a mission to "fund research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss"
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