Dangerous Idea

In yesterday's Star-Tribune they had an article about a local National Guard Band that is about to be deployed to Iraq.

As tensions ease in Iraq, the band will in part serve a diplomatic purpose. But military bands have been deployed to every war zone in American history. Up to five Army bands have been stationed in Iraq at any given time since the invasion.

It sure is a great thing- the power of music to boost morale and support the troops. But as they pointed out in the article, the musicians are soldiers first. That means they are all trained and ready for battle.

But, as a trumpet player, one little line jumped off the screen at me.

Trumpet players all carry pistols.

Now that is a scary thought! I am not sure I would trust most of the trumpet players I know with a pistol. We do enough damage with our horns.