Fremd students offer to play taps at funerals

Fremd High School freshmen Joe Brottman has formed Taps Brigade, a nonprofit organization, that will honor the military service of war veterans by playing taps at funerals. Joe has assembled some of the best trumpet players at Fremd to join him: senior Nicky Grapsas, senior Brian Wood, senior Max McWilliams, and sophomore Clayton Cox.

"I was recently asked to play taps at a funeral," said Brottman, "and I learned that at many of the funerals for veterans, a recording of taps is used instead of a live performance. The least we can do for the men and women who have fought for our country is to play a live performance of taps at their funeral."

Taps Brigade accepts no payment for its services, and any donations received will be distributed to armed forces charities. Call (847) 397-0613 at least two days in advance when possible.