243 SENIOR ESSAY, FIRST PLACE “David" Oketowa The Sounds of Remembrance Day As I was sitting on the gym 昀oor staring, a sharp, distinct sound pierced the air. My attention was instantly drawn towards the source of the sound like a magnet. I tilted my head up above the rows of students to see my band teacher standing and performing a song on his trumpet. Each note from the trumpet clearly echoed through the gym that created a strong somber feeling that captivated me. I had never heard a song with such a sad but powerful sentiment attached to it. As the 昀nal measures of this song were played, the notes were drawn out, providing what seemed to be an enduring sound of mourning. It was as if the trumpet was crying out one 昀nal time. Finally, the song was brought to a conclusion and my band teacher held his trumpet at his side. The sounds of this song lingered in my mind, along with a reserved feeling of sadness. I looked around and found myself confused at the atmosphere of the gym. Instead of a wave of applause in response to the song, a void of absolute silence seemed to take hold over the gym. My entire middle school sat in this state of total silence until my band teacher brought his trumpet back to his lips and began a new song. This song still kept the same type of reverent tone as the 昀rst song but it felt more uplifting. The notes of this song were sharp and punctuating, notes with a brisk tempo. Listening to this song, there was still a solemn feeling that it invoked but I also felt like the song was inspiring me towards something. As the 昀nal bars were played, the song crescendoed into a poignant 昀nish. This time there was applause after the song 昀nished but it was still quite brief. After the performance by my band teacher, my principal came up and talked for a time about what Remembrance Day was before dismissing us from the assembly. Leaving the gym, I found that I was still 昀xated on those songs and how poetic they seemed. Later that day, I learned that the 昀rst song played at the assembly was called “The Last Post” and the second song was called “The Rouse.” It was my 昀rst time hearing both of them but they left a lasting impression. That Remembrance Day assembly in Grade 5 was so memorable to me because of what it taught me. At the time, my younger self couldn't articulate it but I had discovered new things to value.
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