Musician Spotlight by Lauren Fischer
Matt Barker
TRUMPET
Several times a month, BSO trumpet player Matt Barker makes the one hour, fifteen-minute drive from Columbia, MD down to the World War I Memorial in Washington, D. C. Nestled between the White House and the United States Capitol, this often-overlooked memorial stands as a tribute to the 4.7 million Americans who served in the Great War. In Barker’ s eyes, what sets the memorial apart from the many others along the National Mall is the music.
Every day of the year, the Doughboy Foundation, an organization committed to educating the public about U. S. involvement in WWI, sponsors a bugler to perform Taps at 5 pm. Doughboy buglers wear an authentic, WWI wool uniform and helmet, further bringing history to life.
“ When I joined the BSO, I thought it was very neat to be moving to such a historic area of the country,” Barker said.“ I have many friends who are in military bands, who often play Taps. It’ s very cool for me, as a non-military musician to get the opportunity to come down to historic D. C. and play Taps.”
Barker is beginning his 10 th season with the BSO this fall. Equally adept at performing on the Meyerhoff and Strathmore stages, his volunteering with the foundation, which he has done since November 2021, provides him the opportunity to get out of his comfort zone.
“ It’ s very different from playing in a big orchestra, versus walking out at the memorial, rain or shine, and you are the one player. There’ s nowhere to hide, for better or for worse,” Barker said.
Though each Taps performance lasts only 59 seconds, the performance is always impactful for both Barker, and the audience watching; something he tries to remind himself of when making the trek down to D. C.
Mitro Hood
“ It is a big commitment, but it is deeply satisfying and gratifying; it’ s very special,” Barker said.
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