Here are some of the questions received by Tom Allen
Q: What IS OperationTaps?
It's an independent project designed to gather and share information on the process of providing Live Taps Buglers for US Military Vets, and how the drum and bugle corps
community can become more involved.
The intent is to encourage brass players who haven’t been involved to find a way to do so....another objective of this web site is to highlight and celebrate those who have been doing great work in this area.
Q: Why do this?
I'm a former drum corps brass player and instructor who has TAKEN a lot of good things from the drum corps experience, and from the great leaders of the previous generation....
But over the past year or so, I’ve felt guilty about not GIVING enough back.
Once I started looking into what I could do, I found the whole process of volunteering to be a vague, undefined procedure. I just wanted to find a way for more of my colleagues in the drum corps community to help pitch in.
Q: Is this the same as Bugles Across America?
No, it’s a completely independent project…. But, BAA is a great organization that acts as a centralized point of contact for volunteer Taps players, and for those looking for a live Taps player. It is run by the legendary Tom Day (by the way, where's HIS Nobel Peace Prize?) who is also an advisor on this project. OperationTaps encourages individuals to sign up with Bugles Across America. I'm a member and many drum corps staff members and brass players are as well.
Q: Isn’t someone else already taking care of this?
Actually a lot of people are doing their part, but as I’ve looked into this, I’ve found it isn’t enough. For example, one of the leaders of the Monroe County, NY American Legion told me that they have one bugle player, and if he isn’t available, they just use an electronic bugle-like device. If Monroe County (as in Rochester, NY) thinks there is only ONE bugler, then we have a communication problem.
Q: What groups have told you they’ll do this?
Once I launched the site, I heard almost immediately from leaders of 3 of the last 4 DCA champions. Representatives from several other competing corps have told me that they are going to participate once their camps start. Several Alumni Corps, Mini-Corps, and Brass Ensembles are on board.
I have been absolutely amazed and blown away by some of the creativity and energy being put into this project by drum corps people all over the country. I’ll include more on this in a “Thumbs Up” page very soon.
Q: What if I can’t volunteer to play Taps because I work during the day?
That’s fine, but I’ve found that there are a lot retired guys who are doing great things, as well as teachers who volunteer during the summer, college students who have the ability to get away during the typical work day, and other professionals who have the type of job that allows them the ability to volunteer a few times a month. I also personally feel that workplaces should allow for, and support, this type of volunteerism.
Q: This seems like a great idea. How can I get involved?
If you’re part of a corps, ask your leadership or your brass staff if they are involved with this project. Even if they don’t necessarily want to be a part of this project but are doing great things in their community, let us know about it. This isn’t the kind of intense competition that most drum corps people are used to; it’s a friendly, casual thing. It would be great if all DCA corps got involved, but it’s completely voluntary. If you’re an individual not involved with a corps, or just a fan, find out how you can help in your community.
And keep the questions and comments coming...
Tom Allen
info@operationtaps.org
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