By Ladisa Onyiliogwu
One of my favorite pastimes in high school and college was being a part of the marching band. I was a majorette and loved wearing my sequined bodice, twirling, marching and performing while the band played. At the beginning of every half time show, the band would play a popular song by Earth, Wind and Fire. Three counts into the song, the trumpets would belt out the brashest four notes you could imagine. The louder they were, the more motivated and excited we (the majorettes) were to twirl and wow the crowd. Sure, there were other instruments that played with intensity and the drums reverberated in the stands. But for some reason, the trumpets were the loudest.
The Oregon Symphony education webpage expounds on the tone of the trumpet and its use. “Throughout history the trumpet has been used to sound alarms, gather people together, as a call to war, and to add luster to parade music.” The trumpet section of my old marching band stayed true to this description and definitely added luster to every parade and game. Not only did I perform with the marching band, but I was also a member of the performing band, played classical piano and had a love for symphony orchestras.
Most people who play one instrument can play many others. True musicians have not only a love for the instrument(s) they play but also an appreciation for fellow musicians and audience members. I’m sure you know where I’m headed with this idiom by now. In this election cycle, there is a very loud TRUMPet. Some feel that people are gathering together because of it. This unexpected instrument is even sounding the alarm of Americans’ concerns. However, the trumpet has to do more than just startle, add luster or provoke. There are many other instruments, I mean, candidates that are seeking the Republican Presidential nomination. It is my hope that the candidate will not be brash, provocative and entertaining for votes. My hope is that the candidate can build the party, promote sound policies and security for America and educate those who are considering joining our party.
Unfortunately, Republicans are portrayed as a one-note party. This is not true, but we need candidates to prove otherwise. Republicans are unique, diverse and have the ability to play many instruments (display many qualities, skills and experience). The nominee should be able to sound the alarm like a trumpet but also discuss issues with integrity, engage and not insult, and clearly explain why Republican leadership is best for this country.
Soon, Americans will gather together at Symphony Hall again (a.k.a. The Debate Arena). I pray that the conductors of this event will understand the importance of every player on stage and allow time and space for clear notes on foreign policy, economic issues, jobs, religious liberty and the likes. I’m sure the listeners will agree that we want to hear more than just a loud trumpet
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