Post date: Jul 9, 2008 2:32:43 AM
When Brian first started playing the trumpet he was a little too shy to play for us during family gatherings. Then after a few years, during one of our parties, we were all chatting away when his mom, Denise, said "listen - Brian is playing one of the songs he will be performing in the next concert." It seemed that he now had the confidence and was ready to let us hear him play, but on his terms. He just subtly began playing his trumpet in a another room with the hopes that we would hear him, but without announcing his intentions and without facing an audience. His confidence and skill continued to increase over the years, and it was so enjoyable to listen to his concerts, especially his solos. Most memorable, however, were the Concerts on the Bay on the Havre de Grace boardwalk and with the Havre de Grace High School Marching Band in the Fourth of July parades. These were the times that Brian was most himself -- being the cool dude behind the shades and the trumpet. I have such vivid memories of him in the front row as lead trumpet for the marching band in last year's Fourth of July parade, that I was afraid that coming to this year's parade may be difficult. Of course, it was difficult, but it was also a blessing to see the memorial banner with his picture being carried by his friends ahead of the band, and to have his director, Mr. Hauf, and many of his friends come over to hug us. It was very special. I'll always carry that vision of Brian, "the cool dude behind the shades and trumpet" as one of my favorite memories. -- Aunt Pam Bryant