The professional trumpet player, Edgartown resident and 30-year career U.S. Navy band member (now retired) is a ubiquitous presence at parades, weddings and every military funeral on the Vineyard.
The sign hanging over the front porch in Edgartown speaks of a trumpet player’s philosophy: Listen for the music in all things and life will be a symphony of joy.
“The sign says it all, up there,” said Edson Rodgers on a recent late summer afternoon on the porch, where he shared a glider with his wife Norma, his trusty Connstellation trumpet in his lap. “This is home, big time.”
The professional trumpet player and 30-year career U.S. Navy band member (now retired) is a ubiquitous presence at parades, weddings and every military funeral on the Vineyard.
He first picked up the trumpet in third grade.
He first picked up the trumpet in third grade.
Ask him how old he is and the answer comes in the form of a question: how many trombones played in The Music Man?
He grew up in Vineyard Haven. His father was the manager of the A&P in Vineyard Haven and could often be found whistling; his mother played a little piano. “Way back growing up I just seemed to enjoy music,” he said. He first picked up the trumpet in the third grade with his teacher Rudy Fiebich. “Rudy told my folks some day I would end up playing and people would be taking me places to play. It worked out that way,” he said.
The trumpet would become his lifelong passion. He continued to play in high school, which is where he met his bride-to-be, Norma Norton. She was an Edgartown girl, in the days before there was a regional high school.
“All I kept thinking was, what am I doing dating this girl from Edgartown on the other side of the Island . . . I have to go eight and a half miles, ” he laughed.
Norma first heard Ed play the trumpet at a school concert — the tune was Louis Armstrong’s Stardust. They’ve been married 54 and a half years and have four children and six grandchildren.
After graduating from high school, the same teacher who had encouraged Mr. Rodgers to play the trumpet encouraged him to enlist in Navy — with his trumpet.
“I went up to Boston for my audition and I just squeaked by,” he recalled. He stayed for 30 years. The first half of his career was spent mostly in the States; later he traveled abroad. In 1965 he went on a tour of South America with the Navy Show Band. “Our youngest daughter was not talking when I left,” he recalled. “I circumnavigated South America and we went down the west coast and up to the east coast. When I got up to Brazil, I was able to call home and my daughter said 'Hi, Dad.' I wanted to swim home.”
Later years were spent as an instructor at the Navy School of Music.
He retired at the age of 48 with a full Navy Band send-off, and the family moved back to the Vineyard.
Today Ed Rodgers is the go-to community trumpet player on the Vineyard and beyond.
He recently played for the oar and paddle race on Sengekontacket, the dog parade in Oak Bluffs, and he has a regular gig with the Vineyard Haven Band. At Illumination Night this year, he played Moon River under a new moon. Later this month he heads to the boat show in Newport, R.I. A few years ago he played a gig on the Mississippi Queen. “The most enjoyable job since I’ve been out of the service,” he said.
He makes an annual trip to Philadelphia to reunite with his Navy pals. As it always was, the music is the thing.
Ed and Norma, his high school swetheart, have been married for 54 and a half years.
Ed and Norma, his high school swetheart, have been married for 54 and a half years.
“The first thing we do when we check in is go down to the bar and start playing everything,” he said. “On the third night, we again entertain ourselves and have a big dance and full band.”
When he’s not playing trumpet, Mr. Rodgers builds wooden boats and drives for an Island tour company.
“I enjoy showing people my Island, I really do, the beauty just abounds,” he said. “I love to see families enjoying themselves and enjoying the Vineyard.”
But he is perhaps most well known for his rendition of Taps at parades and military funerals.
“It means so much to me,” he said. “It’s an honor to be able to do that. It’s the least I could do for my fellow veterans. As long as I’m able to play, that is my number one job. I started way back when I was down in Washington, D.C. I would sometimes go to Arlington Cemetery and play there. You read those stories where someone has to come in with a recorded version of Taps and as long as I can, I hope to never see that happen here.”
In addition to his workhorse Connstellation, he also has a flugelhorn (which offers a smaller and softer sound) and a pocket trumpet that he likes to play for kids.
He recites the Ed Rodgers formula for a good trumpet player: 90 per cent breathing, eight per cent chops or embouchure (muscles around the mouth) and two per cent brains.
“Now that’s an exaggeration but so much of it comes down to breathing properly and knowing how to breathe,” he said.
His songbook runs deep through Americana and includes classic ballads. And one more familiar tune.
“I pick up the phone and play Happy Birthday for everyone’s birthday — I have six grandchildren so that keeps me going on the phone,” he said.
Comments
Thank You for your years of
Deanna Williamson Edgartown,MAThank You for your years of loving to play music! Enjoy hearing you at summer Band Concerts, parades and especially hearing you when the Navy Band played here two years ago conducted by a former Island student of yours, on his retirement. Keep loving to play music and giving respect to those veterans who have passed!!!
I grew up in Edgartown,and
Judy Peada Counsell West TisburyI grew up in Edgartown,and played the trumpet from the 4 th grade to 12th,in the band and all Island Orchestra with Edson Rogers. I can still hear him play today and know by the tone it's Edson. Even at a young age he had a special gift,and his own sound on the trumpet.I remember him sitting back in his chair at the back of the stage before a concert, and falling off.I remember another time, him with his brand new Gold Trumpet,also falling off the front of the stage, and putting a dent in it,in the middle of a concert. Fond memories of Rudolph Fiebich, and Edson was certainly his pride of the Orchestra and Band.
Wonderful memories !!
AllouiseWonderful memories !!
I remember Edson playing A
Donald Frank Sunrise FlI remember Edson playing A White Sports Coat and a Pink Carnation! That has to be back in the 50's!
Edson and Norma, what a
Allouise Morgan EdgartownEdson and Norma, what a beautiful picture of you two!
Great article, enjoyed reading it...I can't count the times that I have enjoyed listening to Edson's trumpet, going back to high school.
And, I will never forget one Memorial Day weekend in recent years, when my husband, Bob, was no longer able to attend the holiday ceremonies in Vineyard Haven.
That afternoon, there came a knock on our door,it was Edson, trumpet in hand and ready to play a few tunes.
As Bob sang along, Edson played the the Army Air Corps song, "Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder”, that in 1940, ended with, "Nothing'll stop the Army Air Corps!
Edson then played a few more patriotic favorites.
As Bob called out the names of some favorites from the World War II 1940's, Edson played as Bob sang along.
It was a very special treat for a proud old soldier. I will never forget Edson's kindness.
And, I will also never be able to think of Edson as "Ed". For his loyal, Island, old timer fans...he will forever be EDSON !
Oh what a lovely article. We
Adam Gerard Toronto, ONOh what a lovely article. We recently had Ed play at our wedding on East Beach and it was absolutely wonderful. He has such a bright and fun personality and it comes through in his playing. Thanks for sharing his history. I like to imagine that he's been playing and smiling through every phase of his life.
I'll never forget you joining
Kate Fowle Meleney Oak BluffsI'll never forget you joining organist, Nancy Rogers, in the Navy Hymn at the memorial service for my father, Capt. Sterling H. Ivison, Jr. in July, 2009 at Union Chapel. We had engaged you to play taps, and this was an unexpected and very moving, beautiful surprise. I don't think there were many dry eyes in the Chapel. By the way, we knew to call on you because my father had written your name down as the trumpet player he wanted at his funeral - years before!
IT WAS A JOY TO PLAY IN THE
jerry muskin N. BRANFORD CT.IT WAS A JOY TO PLAY IN THE TRUMPET SECTION WITH EDSON IN THE VINEYARD HAVEN BAND AND TO LISTEN TO HIM PLAY.
AT SOME OF HIS GIGS AROUND THE ISLAND.
LET'S FACE IT, EDSON, 76 TROMBONES EQUALS ONE TRUMPET IF IT'S YOURS.
What a nice article about
Dave Brennan EdgartownWhat a nice article about this island treasure. Edson is talented in so many ways. It's a pleasure to know the Rodgers and an honor to have them as friends.
It was eye watering to read the comments about how this special man has touched the lives of so many people.
Yes, wonderful story; right
Pat Tyra EdgartownYes, wonderful story; right on. Like Judy Prada and others I at first only knew Edson for his playing in the all island orchestra as I played the violin. But then he married my cousin! And I, too, have enjoyed his retirement playing on the Island and especially at a couple of family gatherings. What we need also for a "public" picture is him building a delightful wooden boat out in the shed. Thank you so much for sharing the story with us all.
Great article about a great
Fred Shaw Boca Raton, FLGreat article about a great guy. Go Navy!
Edson has always played a
John Alley West TisburyEdson has always played a swell trumpet! Great article he brightened up the Town Christmas parties for years. I could spend an evening listening to his music. Way to go Edson!!!!
Eddie Rodgers - Admiration
JoeEddie Rodgers - Admiration and respect for a true professional prevails at every turn. On top of that, you can't find two nicer people than Eddie and Norma.
Ed and Norma are the sweetest
Garrett James Brooklyn, NYEd and Norma are the sweetest couple in the world! Man that guy can blow! I'm honored to have performed along side Ed on a couple occasions. Thinking of him bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart. Thanks for the inspiration!
Edison: You have inspired me
Roger Maxwell Windsor Heights, IowaEdison: You have inspired me to get out my Constellation Trombone and start practicing again. As an old band teacher, maybe I can bring some joy to folks in the Des Moines Iowa area. Keep up the good work man as we older musicians would say.
This article is a great
Mike Downs Alexandria, VirginiaThis article is a great tribute to Edson(and by extension Norma). I graduated from Oak Bluffs High School the same year that Edson graduated from Tisbury and Norma from Edgartown and we shared that year's High School Washington Trip. I also played next to Edson on the Martha's Vineyard Consolidated High School football team in '53 and '54 (He was a good football player, as well.). I distinctly and fondly remember Edson's solo performances with the High Schools of Martha's Vineyard Combined Orchestra under the direction of Rudy Fiebich. I'm familiar with Military Funerals and the value placed on "live" Taps. I'm certain that, because of Edson's dedication and talent, the veterans of few communities in America are as fortunate as those on Martha's Vineyard.
Edson married my cousin, too
Sara Piazza EdgartownEdson married my cousin, too - no, he's only been married once - since Pat Tyra, Norma, and I are all cousins - and it's safe to say that not only does he pour his heart out in his music - and there aren't many who blow a horn better than Edson - he is also the life of the party, both with his horn - often showing up unannounced except for a loud blast of Happy Birthday or other songs to fit the occasion - and his terrific sense of humor. Edson is the best of the best.
I, too, played in the
Alan Brown Bethel CTI, too, played in the orchestra, football and basketball with Edson. One thing the article didn't stress enough was what a genuinely good and kind person he is. By the time we graduated Tisbury High in 57, Edson was still the only one of our gang who we had never seen doing something for which he had to apologize. The only thing he ever did wrong was to marry an Edgartown girl, but since it was Norma, we all forgave him.
I had a good laugh at this
Stacey RodgersO'DonnellI had a good laugh at this one! Hahahaha! My dad marrying an Edgartown girl is one of his favorite stories!
What a beautiful tribute! No
Ann-Marie Cardosi Seekonk MAWhat a beautiful tribute! No exaggeration on how much you love to share your Island with others, as I learned first hand last summer. An interesting journey, for sure, but my favorite part is your commitment to playing for your military brothers. It was my privilege and honor to have met you and I wish you health and peace so you may continue for many more years.
Ed, you were my trumpet
Steve Wilson Covington, Wa.Ed, you were my trumpet instructor at the Navy School of Music in 1970/71.
Thanks shipmate!
I work with Edson son, Mark.
David Morin VirginiaI work with Edson son, Mark. Mark is so proud of his father, he lights up when he talks about him. it is so nice to read these comments about a wonderful man.
When I was at the Navy School
Robert Pulliam FloridaWhen I was at the Navy School Of Music as an Army bandsman in '82 Senior Chief Rodgers would on occasion do this stunt where he would nail an F over high C cold - i.e. no warmup - *loud*, on any trumpet with any mouthpiece. His only prep was he would get the pitch in his head by popping the mouthpiece lightly with his palm which creates a low C sound and gauge the F from that. One time I saw him do this he was making rounds at the SOM barracks on a cold night as the NCO in charge of quarters and he did it using some huge bucket of a Schilke mouthpiece - I think it was whatever the largest trumpet mouthpiece was that Schilke made - the antithesis of a high-note mouthpiece. It actually belonged to a tuba player. Someone asked him to do his "trick", so he obliged - borrowed this mp, put it in whatever horn someone had and blew a paint-peeling high F. What was additionally impressive was that as I recall his personal mouthpiece had an unconventional rim that he'd had custom-machined basically tabletop flat. Going to a mouthpiece with a very different configuration than what you're used to can be a stumbling block for trumpet players but he did the above mentioned stunt on any mp that was handy. It was an enlightening demonstration of how tuned-in to one's chops it was possible to be. I remember Chief Rodgers as congenial and a great bandleader/teacher in stage band class.
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