Ever since I was a little kid, any time I had a musical instrument in front of me and I could figure out a basic scale, the first thing I would ever try to play is the Victors. Or, you know, the part where everyone sings.
Elementary school with my plastic recorder, the victors. I just dug it out of my closet to see if I could remember how to play it, and yes.
When I was in sixth grade and first learned French horn, after hot cross buns, and some other wonderfully basic songs, the Victors.
Trumpet (Got to use my sheet music)
Piano, well even now, any time I walk by a piano I tap out the Victors before leaving.
Violin.
Guitar.
The Les Paul google doodle:
The music has enchanted me. Filled my with a longing and anticipation of football Saturdays and the university that I dreamed of attending. The first letter I ever sent through the mail was to the U-M band director telling them how I hoped to play for them one day. I received a beautiful piece of sheet music for The Victors (trumpet) in response. It had the University of Michigan seal and was printed on very heavy, beautiful paper. I framed it and still have it. I cherish that piece of sheet music. It sat above my desk as I worked while attending community college. It was the embodiment of hope. Struggling to make ends meet, and then finally making it into Michigan. The sheet music now sits framed together with my degree.
Hail to the victors.
Congratulations to you.
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift