San Antonio teen trumpeter will perform at new WWI memorial in D.C.
Published: 4 September 2024
By René Guzman
via the San Antonio Express-News newspaper (TX) website
Ricardo Lazaro
Self-taught trumpeter Ricardo Lazaro has plenty of reasons to toot his own horn.
From the top, the San Antonio teen has been attached to the instrument since he first picked it up around age 6. Most of his tutelage comes from hours and hours of internet research and YouTube videos featuring trumpeting greats such as Wynton Marsalis and Arturo Sandoval.
Now 17, the senior at Town East Christian School continues to pursue his passion for trumpeting on his own time since his school does not offer music classes or programs.
Along the way, Ricardo has hit plenty of high notes. He’s sounded taps twice on national television for the “Taps Across America” Memorial Day program on CBS News. He’s placed in the top three in about a dozen international music competitions. He’s performed with the National Festival Symphony Orchestra with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He’s a member of Youth Orchestras of San Antonio and San Antonio Youth Wind Ensemble.
Ricardo Lazaro, a 17-year-old trumpet player from San Antonio, is one of 10 specially chosen trumpeters to play at the Sept. 13 first illumination of “A Soldier’s Story,” a new bronze sculptural work at the World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Courtesy America Trujillo/America Tru Photography
And when he’s not blowing people’s minds with his S.E. Shires B-flat trumpet, he’s wowing them with his sash full of all 135-plus merit badges one can earn as an Eagle Scout.
All that talent will be on full display Sept. 13 when Ricardo joins a select group of trumpeters to herald the first illumination of “A Soldier’s Journey,” a giant new bas-relief that’s the central feature of the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Ricardo is one of only 10 civilian trumpeters in the country chosen to perform the opening fanfare. He’s also the youngest and only high schooler of the group. He will join the other trumpeters from the D.C. area representing the likes of the National Symphony Orchestra and U.S. Navy Band.
And it’s all thanks to an instrument that’s practically played the soundtrack to his life.
“I would say that playing trumpet overall has helped me learn a lot about myself,” Ricardo said. “(It) has helped me with the discipline that has got me to this point with other extracurricular activities. It’s helped me develop as a person and my mindset to get through other things.”
It’s also led him to one of the most prestigious performances in his young career.
“It’s mind-blowing. It’s extraordinary,” he said. “Being able to go to Washington, D.C., and being able to perform for this occasion, I feel honored and just overall thankful for the opportunity that came up.”
The Doughboy Foundation, stewards of the World War I Memorial, teamed up with Taps for Veterans to host the national contest for the best trumpeters to ring in “A Soldier’s Story.” Doughboy executive director Jari Villanueva noted Lazaro’s application video and accomplishments made him a must-have for the event.
“We chose him mostly on the merits of his trumpet playing,” said Villanueva, who also founded the “Taps Across America” program. “He’s a very talented high school player, so we’re glad to have him.”
Ricardo and his fellow trumpeters will wear World War I uniforms to mirror the tale of “A Soldier’s Journey.”
Read the entire article on the San Antonio Express-News website here:
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