The First Brass of Sarasota searching for 70-trumpet ensemble for V-J Day ceremony

It will be 70 years this August 14 that Japan unconditionally surrendered to the United States and the Allied Powers, thus ending one of the most destructive conflicts in history: World War II. Though no amount of ceremonies or tributes could pay back the men and women who served and sacrificed for their country, the First Brass of Sarasota hope 70 trumpets will provide the soundtrack to this year's celebration of V-J Day. 

The First Brass of Sarasota, a local group of dedicated brass and percussion players, are organizing a massive tribute to the men and women who served and sacrificed during World War II by performing such patriotic standards as "Taps," "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America." But instead of performing with their standard dozen-musician ensemble, the organization has decided that wouldn't suffice. To represent the 70th anniversary in proper fashion, The First Brass of Sarasota are seeking and searching for any local area trumpet and brass players to be a part of their 70-member trumpet army. The trumpet does not need to be someone's primary instrument in order to participate, but every member should bring their own trumpet to the ceremony.

High school, college-aged, professional and retired musicians are all welcomed and participants are coming from Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto and Charlotte Counties. This massive, multi-generational ensemble will perform during a wreath-laying ceremony at Patriot Plaza at the Sarasota National Cemetery at 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 16. The performance will close the weekend-long festivities of "Keeping the Spirit of '45 Alive" taking place in Sarasota honoring World War II veterans. 

For those musically-inclined and free to honor members of "The Greatest Generation" should reach out via email at [email protected] or call executive director Nance Guth at 941-928-0296.