The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B Story

Back when I was in grade school we had music class and one of the things we did as a class was practice singing a song that would eventually be performed at the school concert. One year I remember the song we were assigned was The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B. It's an oldies song that I barely remember but I do remember something that happened that year in music class.

As we were practicing our song in class one day, the teacher mentioned that we would need someone to play the part of the Bugle Boy at the concert. The person playing the part would have a bugle and would basically walk around and dance to the music and pretty much be the star of the song.

The teacher asked if anyone wanted to be the Bugle Boy, but no one volunteered. I guess we were at that age where no one really wanted that extra attention for fear of standing out or being judged. I know I didn't want to do it. I figured the part would probably go to one of the cool or popular boys in the class.

Then something interesting happened. One of the boys who I would consider kind of an average kid, not one of the cool or popular kids, spoke up and volunteered to be the Bugle Boy. Everyone was a little surprised as it was kind of unexpected. I remember at the time thinking that for some reason he was not right for the part, but you know what, he was the only one brave enough to volunteer so he got the part!

So when the concert day arrived, our class sang our song for the audience while this kid walked around and danced with the bugle at center stage. He did a great job and I'm sure it was a great boost of confidence for him. It's funny how little situations like this that happened many years ago can stick in your memory.

Looking back it's one of those motivational or teachable moments. When there is a situation or a goal that you think might be out of your reach, sometimes it just takes a little bravery to go for it and you never know, you just might get it!