Keep The Music Playing.

This article is part of Finding the Words, a newsletter that delivers practical insights on the day’s issues.

Imagine this: 

You’re a 14-year-old freshman in high school with one great love: playing music. You’re a trumpet player, let’s say, and you practice day and night, learning and improving this instrument you love. 

One day, you’re asked to apply for a unique new opportunity: to play the music you love in concert with the U.S. Marine Corps Band.

You’re up against some of the best student musicians around the country. The chances are slim. And then, the call comes.

You’ve scored one of 30 seats. You’ll be playing alongside ‘The Presidents’ Own.’

Until, days later, the whole thing is canceled.

Diversity initiatives are on the chopping block, and you are among a group of talented students who are Black, Hispanic, Indian, and Asian.

You will be denied an opportunity to perform with the U.S. Marine Band, the President’s Own, due to the President’s prohibition against DEI.

You hear the President’s own words echo in your head, “DEI is illegal, immoral, and an immense public waste.”

The music dies.

This was almost the end of a true story until a thoughtful group of veterans came together with a local nonprofit and CBS News to make good on America’s promise. They rented a venue right here in Maryland and covered the costs of plane tickets and travel to bring all musicians and interviewees to one place, giving dozens of hardworking, talented student musicians a chance to play the music they had been promised.

As Scott Pelle of CBS News said in reporting on the story, “Because they were silenced, many wanted to hear them, including veterans of military bands who gathered in an improvised orchestra of equity that you might call America’s Own.”

As one retired Marine Band trumpeter said, “There’s usually two responses to something – you could complain about it or do something about it. I chose the latter within seconds.”

He wasn’t alone. Former band members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, West Point, Naval Academy, and Marines all showed up to keep the music playing.

This concert was originally expected to be seen by hundreds. Thanks to CBS’ role in the story, it ended up being watched by millions. 

Talk about a bright spot amid many other eye sores.

As the retired trumpeter said, “I challenge anyone to tell me this concert does damage to the United States. It brings out the best of us.”
 
Bottom line: Whether our gifts are musical or otherwise, we can all find ways to keep the music playing. Because some songs are too important to be silenced.
 

Watch and share the story, as reported by Scott Pelle, on 60 minutes: U.S. Marine Band forced to cancel concert with students of color after Trump DEI order 

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This post is part of the Finding The Words column, a series published every Wednesday that delivers a dose of communication insights direct to your inbox. If you like what you read, we hope you’ll subscribe to ensure you receive this each week.