Giving the gift of music

Caroline Spencer plays her trumpet for the community on Wednesday evening, as she does each week in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

After teaching herself how to play the trumpet, Caroline Spencer is giving that gift to her community every week. 

Each Wednesday at 6 p.m., you can hear Spencer's trumpet echoing across the village, from the steps of the Norman Williams Public Library in Woodstock, Vermont. People stop often to hear the music, saying it uplifts them, and that's the whole point. 

"It's a little gift I can give, for whoever's around," she said. 

Spencer, who lives in Woodstock, said people can use some joy, especially given the stressful time many are having in the world today. 

"It's so difficult for all of us, no matter what," she said of the current state of the world. "If I can do something that makes somebody happy, that's good."

This routine began after Meg Brazill, who works at the library, suggested that Spencer play her trumpet out on the steps at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, when the Woodstock Farmers Market on the Green and the library both close. It so happened the first day she played was 9/11. The day carries great personal meaning for Spencer, as both she and her partner, Bob Burchess, know people who died in the 9/11 attacks in New York City. Furthermore, Spencer grew up there. 

And so, she opted to play “Taps” that first day, and now, during each weekly performance, she offers “Taps” and one other tune. She recently played "We Shall Overcome" and "Let My People Go" — selected to highlight the need for social justice.

"Love and inclusiveness is the bottom line," she said. 

On Wednesday this week, she fittingly went with a fall theme on that sunny October day: "Autumn Leaves".

The interest in the trumpet began earlier this year. Spencer, a longtime musician, said she can no longer play the keyboard or violin due to arthritis, so she taught herself how to play the trumpet over the summer. 

"I'm left with three valves and three fingers, so it's easier to do," she said. 

She doesn't plan to leave her new gift at the library steps, either. Spencer said she's happy to drive to someone's home and play them a tune outside, or over the phone.

“Anything anyone wants to hear, I’m happy to play it, as long as I’ve heard it.”

And it doesn't have to be on Wednesday, she noted. Spencer added she won’t take any payment, because the joy of giving is compensation enough.

"I don't want any money," she said. "All I want is to be able to give a gift back."  

Spencer, 79, said she's going to keep on learning new things, as well, and she hopes this story inspires others to “start something new and bring joy.”

"I'm almost 80 years old, and I've got plans for the next 20." 

— Gareth Henderson