Trumpeting freedom in Glenwood Springs

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — There are probably a lot of ways that Symphony in the Valley’s board president, Kelly Thompson, could be spending tonight’s holiday. But he didn’t sound like he’d want to be anywhere else but in Two Rivers Park, playing away at his trumpet, alongside the rest of his orchestra crew.

A former high school and middle school band leader, Thompson, 38, has been making music for nearly three decades now. As he talked about this evening’s performance (which he called a “thank you” to the community), he seemed stoked. The set list is feisty one, filled with upbeat, all-American pieces.

“We trumpet players, we like the loud stuff,” he said, smiling.

What brought you to music?

“Oh, my family was fairly musical. My father just retired from the band he started in Lake City, Colo. I just have a very musical family, so it was always kind of out there.”

What drew you to that trumpet sound?

“Boy, I don’t know. I just liked it. The very first day (at school), and they still do it this way, they had a band day, and they had all these instruments to play, and I just really liked how it looked and sounded. It just seemed like a cool instrument at the time.”

Why join Symphony in the Valley?

“I had just done a job change, and I had gone from being a band director myself to starting a computer service in Rifle, and I wanted to keep something musical in my life.”

“It was nice to do something musical for me instead of, as a band leader, you’re doing something musical for everyone else.”

What do you love about music?

“It just gives you a way to express emotions, whether it’s anger or love or happiness, there’s music to fill in all those gaps.”

“You’re doing it right if the hair on the back of your neck stands up. That’s what you’re kind of going for.”

What’s your favorite part about a performing for a crowd like tonight’s?

“Again, the whole emotional part comes into play. Whatever kind of music it is, there’s an energy about a live performance and seeing their reaction to it.”

Describe what people will be hearing at the concert.

“Americana stuff, patriotic stuff. A lot of patriotic tunes, as well as folksy-type numbers.”

Why do you think people should come out and see your show?

“This concert is more of the traditional Americana. It’s going to be very patriotic. We just like get our name out there and saying ‘Hey, you do have a symphony, and it’s in this valley’ (Laughing). Because no matter what kind of music you like, it all has its roots in the same place — and that’s classical music.”