EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
How did you get started playing the trumpet?
At 10 years old, I went into the band room at
school and looked at several instruments and I
was intrigued by this cool-looking brass trumpet
that featured three valves. I decided that this
was my instrument of choice. I continued to play
trumpet and take lessons throughout high school. I
was one of the few students who did not leave my
instrument in the locked cage in the Band Room.
I always took my trumpet home after school to
I was able to attain 1st Trumpet, 1st Chair in high
school where I played in the marching band and
the concert band. After graduating from high
school I continued to play the trumpet as a
pastime. I also played trumpet and sang tenor
in church choirs after graduation.
How do you incorporate music into your
life today?
A few years ago I started playing Christmas songs
while staging in the Red Lot at Orlando International
Airport. The Mears motor coach and shuttle drivers
have now come to expect me to have my trumpet
with me around the holidays. I basically provide free
entertainment to the drivers while they are staging
prior to their pickups at the terminal. On occasion a
driver will request a particular tune and I will make
the effort to play it for them.
Do you have a favorite song, tune or piece?
One of my favorite tunes to play is performed
by Chuck Mangione, Feel So Good.
How do you learn a new piece of music?
I’ve always had a good ear for music, and I can
read music; however, most of the tunes I play
are from memory after listening to the song and
me, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” My
response: “Practice, practice, practice!’”
MUSIC
MAN
DON DESAULNIERS
Shuttle Van Driver and Field Trainer Don Desaulniers
has been with Mears since 1998. Known for his warm
smile and friendly rapport with customers and coworkers,
he also has a not-so-hidden talent for music.
This lifelong trumpet player even takes requests from
fellow drivers in the Red Lot at OIA. Here’s an excerpt
from a recent conversation with Don:
MEARS IN MOTION NEWSLETTER • January - February 2018 7