A Gold Mute Stage

I slipped out into the afternoon breeze and headed back to the neighborhood music shop, eager to explore something new beyond the sheet music shelves. Over on a low velvet-lined counter, an array of brass mutes and accessories caught the warm sunlight. Among them sat an unlacquered trumpet straight mute, shining like a miniature golden megaphone. Stepping carefully across the display mat, I grasped its smooth aluminum cone with both hands and nudged it upright. Resting one arm over the cork collar, I sang a bright, focused vocal riff straight across the hollow opening. The metal caught every vibration and transformed it into a crisp, buzzing horn tone that resonated around the entire counter.