[TPIN] Forgetting my trumpet

[Michael Anderson]

I have two stories on this one.

1. I left my horn in a gig back on the roof of my car. I put it up there to
unlock the car. I happened to look in the rear view mirror as it bounced off
the car and down the road. I slammed on the brakes and ran to grab it just
before it was run over by a truck. It was bouncing high on the road.. I
expected it to be smashed. There wasn't a scratch on it. Amazing.

2. I left my horn (in a gig bag) resting on its end on a bridge in a park in
Holland. I was there in the 80's on a tour with the New York Harlem Opera
Ensemble. I was on the way to dress rehearsal for the show.. But, I stopped
to take pictures in the park. I snapped a couple on the bridge.. I had a
camera with multiple lenses, so I put the horn down to change lenses.. Then
a dog jumping in the water after a ball caught my eye, so I moved to shoot
him.. Then something else caught my eye.... 20 mins later I realized I
didn't have my horn.. Went running back and it was gone. Busy Sunday
afternoon in this park. ARG! I had dress rehearsal in 30 mins, no money to
buy a new horn.. I was screwed. I played the dress rehearsal on a stage prop
- an old King cornet. That night for opening night I borrowed a horn from
the local symphony.

The next day the police said that they found the horn.. Some old guy saw it
and new it belonged to a pro player and took it home to protect it from
being stolen. I went to his house to get it.. He had me in for dinner and
was a great guy. He played trombone in the military in WW II. What an
amazing experience. The police said I'd never see it again. I was very
lucky.

MA