Bobby Baird stands on his porch playing his trumpet on Memorial Day as part of the ‘Taps Across America’ tribute to America’s fallen heroes.
Submitted photo
Renowned trumpet player Bobby Baird participates in ‘Taps Across America’
Click here to subscribe today or Login.
SHAVERTOWN — Renowned trumpet player Bobby Baird of Shavertown participated in “Taps Across America” on Memorial Day, playing the tribute to America’s fallen heroes on his front porch.
Jim Kupstas, Baird’s neighbor, snapped a photo of the 90-year-old Baird playing “Taps” at 3 p.m. on Monday.
The “Taps Across America” program asked veterans, musicians, teachers, and students of all abilities and ages to sound “Taps” on their front lawns, porches, and driveways at 3 p.m. local time on Monday, May 25 — Memorial Day.
“Taps” is instantly recognizable as the somber 24-note bugle call played at American military funerals and ceremonies.
Kupstas said at 3 p.m. on his porch, Baird played “Taps” and afterward he sat in front of his house with his wife, Pat, and played several patriotic songs.
Kupstas said Baird’s daughter had heard about Taps Across America and informed her father of the event. Baird was sure to let his surrounding neighbors know about it.
The local legendary trumpet player, Baird was 18 when he took the stage with the U.S. Navy Band’s Sextet at President Harry S. Truman’s Inaugural Ball in 1949 — an experience he still recalls vividly.
Baird turned 90 on Sunday, April 26, an occasion that was celebrated with a parade of cars filled with adoring family and friends passing his home in Shavertown. And, as expected, the spirited Baird delighted the crowd with his trumpet.
Baird has been performing for 85 years, playing his first solo at age 5 for his grandfather, Arch Baird.
Baird was a three-time Pennsylvania state champion trumpeter and he earned a full music scholarship to Syracuse University. But he only attended for one year, and decided to travel to Washington D.C. where he auditioned for the United States Navy Band, and was accepted — becoming the youngest member of the band and named the trumpet soloist.
His life path has crossed with the likes of Ed Sullivan, Esther Williams, Al Hirt, Harry James, Rosemary Clooney, Louis Armstrong, Peggy Lee, Julius Larosa, and many more, including several U.S. presidents.
Baird also played with immortals like drummer Gene Krupa bandleader Skitch Henderson and trumpet great Doc Severinsen of the Tonight Show.
Baird said he still plays at church and for veterans gatherings and services.
/
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.