The Memory of Parkland Victims Lives On Through Brass Instruments

On February 14, 2018, the largest mass high school shooting in the United States took place in South Florida. 17 students and staff were shot and killed with another 17 wounded during the massacre. While it seems that after a few months these devastating losses seems to unfittingly fade away, two organizations have made it their goal to keep the conversation and memories alive through brass instruments.

In May 2019, South Florida’s All County Music coordinated with Conn-Selmer to present 50 trombones to 50 students with a special engraving on the bell to remember the legacy of Alex Schachter. As a freshman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Alex was a member of the Eagle Regiment Marching Band and loved playing the trombone and baritone. Known as “Alex Tribute Trombones,” these instruments are able to provide music to many students for years to come.

Click here to read and see the full story.

In addition to a trombone to keep the conversation going, Josh Landress of Landress Brass was asked to design and build a trumpet from discarded bullet casings that could be performed on a variety of stages and musical acts. So far, this “Instrument of Hope” has been been on the stage with Panic! At The Disco, Randy Brecker, Brian Newman, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Oklahoma! on Broadway and many other artists.

Click here to learn more about this special instrument.

Both of these symbols show the power of music and art in a time of reminders, healing, and action.

Click here to support the Alex Schachter Scholarship Fund
(support the Stoneman Douglas Marching Band)

Click here to support ShineMSD
(an organization using the healing power of the arts to keep the conversation alive)