The conch shell is the most ancient wind instrument known to man. It is the messenger, symbolic in many cultures and still used in ceremony today. The conch shell is recognized as the first trumpet. Both the trumpet and conch shell have been very important throughout my life. It’s only in looking back that I discovered the thread.

My trumpet was made in France during the 1940’s. My uncle, who was a musician in the army band, brought it back from France right after World War II. It’s a very special trumpet! I started playing when I was eight years old and played through high school in the band and in marching band. At that time, it gave me a sense of belonging to something greater than myself. It took the whole band to make the music.

During college, I played my trumpet in a rock and roll band. I became a professional musician, meaning I got paid to play. I put myself through college doing what I loved to do. We were called The Major Six – five guys and me. As a woman trumpet player in a rock and roll band, I helped make our band unique. But more important, they were my good friends and I was part of the band.