By Steve Pearce:

The conductor of the orchestra is Andre Rieu from Austria.

The young lady, Melissa Venema, age 13, is the trumpet soloist.  Her rendition of TAPS will make your hair stand on end.

Many of you may never have heard taps played in its entirety, for all of the men & women that have died for you to have the freedom you have in America.  Miss Venema’s rendition simply is beautiful.

Here is "Taps" played in its entirety. The Original version of 'Taps' was called 'Last Post', and was written by Daniel Butterfield in 1801. It was rather lengthy and formal, as you will hear in this clip, so in 1862 it was shortened to 24 notes and re-named 'Taps'. Melissa Venema is playing it on a trumpet whereas the original was played on a bugle. Turn on your speakers … sit back … and enjoy it.