Bugleboy21

For those of you wondering what life in the army band can be like:

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Army bugler/trumpeter soloist at concert tonight

By Olga Peña

Killeen Daily Herald

There is a difference between a bugler and a trumpeter — Sgt. Larry Dean is both.

The featured soloist at tonight’s Heights Band concert, Dean joined the 1st Cavalry Division Band in August of 2004, leaving for Iraq a month later. He returned in January of this year.

Dean recalls having played Taps — the military bugle call sounded at funerals, wreath-layings and memorial services — more times than he can number.

“We did it way more times than we should have, but that’s war,” Dean said casting his eyes down. “It was hard to feel that emotion and project it but having to keep it at bay.”

Military musicians, Dean explained, have a rare opportunity to perfect their craft, entertain troops, honor fallen comrades and defend their country.

Band members attend a six-month music school in addition to the regular basic training all soldiers undergo.

“You always have your weapons and armor,” Dean said. “We are combatants just like anyone else.”

When they are stateside, Dean explained, trumpet players perform dual roles as buglers and trumpeters. With the troops, buglers perform calls at ceremonies to include Taps. As trumpeters, the musicians march, entertain and perform in concerts.

While Dean’s love for his military musical career is great, he also enjoys playing outside of the Army world.

Dean, who was born in Killeen, followed in his brother’s footsteps and picked up a trumpet before the age of 10. He has not put it down since.

“It’s a very versatile instrument,” Dean said, listing the various musical styles he enjoys performing.

After studying music at Southwest Texas State University, Dean played nights and weekends in clubs, weddings and “odd things that musicians do,” he said.

Having witnessed his father’s successful and enjoyable military career, Dean then decided to join the Army in 2003. Dean participates in three of 1st Cavalry Band’s ensembles: brass quartet, jazz combo and Grupo K-lore — a salsa ensemble.

Dean has been performing with the Heights Band since junior high school. He said the band offers musicians an opportunity to perform with professionals, educators and talented students.

“It’s musically fulfilling and just a lot of fun,” Dean said . “I always seem to pick something up.”

This will be Dean’s second time performing a solo with the accomplished band, having had his debut two weeks ago in San Saba. A 1994 graduate of Copperas Cove High School, Dean said tonight’s performance is like coming home.

“I usually get nervous but since I came back from Iraq, it’s a feeling of anxiousness going back to my hometown,” Dean said.

Appropriately, Dean’s solo is titled “The Bugler.”

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Thank you for all those who expressed the kindest words to me when I came home from Iraq.

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SSG Laurence C Dean
US Army TRADOC Band
Fort Monroe, VA


You have to be a SMAT Boy to transpose well! -William Vacchiano

ebtromba

congrats! how did the performance go? I have never heard of The Bugler. Who is the composer?

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www.Ebtpt.com

Bugleboy21

The performance went well! I had a great time. The Bugler is by Edwin Franko Goldman (arr. by Erik Leidzen). It is published by Mills Music, Inc. It's a cute solo fillled with standard military bugle calls with band accompaniment in the first half and lots of fast (TK'd) arpeggios in the second half. Whenever I get a CD of the concert, I'll post a couple sound bytes up.

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SSG Laurence C Dean
US Army TRADOC Band
Fort Monroe, VA


You have to be a SMAT Boy to transpose well! -William Vacchiano

dow30

Thanks for sharing that article and many Thanks for your service, it is Greatly appreciated! Be Well!!!

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dow30
Courage doesn't always roar, sometimes it's that little voice at the end of the day that says. "I'll try again tomorrow."

Alex Yates

Bugleboy - thank you for being a trumpeter and a soldier. I am happy you are back on U.S. soil. Also, thanks for sharing your musical experience with us. Take good care.