Memorial Tribute to David Clapp



Although I don’t remember exactly when I first met Dave, it was probably during those early years at the Nevin Elementary School in South Weymouth. After high school, we pursued different career paths. Dave was a musician in military bands for a number of years.



Just after the 40th high school reunion, which neither of us attended, he contacted me via email. Dave was living in California then. While exchanging emails and talking by phone, I learned that he and I were cousins with a common point of ancestry several generations ago. Dave was also a distant cousin of one of my first violin teachers. Small world that South Weymouth…



During our catch up conversations, I developed an appreciation of Dave’s musicianship. He had a keen sense of not only the mechanics of playing a trombone, but also the art of practicing and mental preparation for a concert. He put his insights into words that I still read before playing.



Dave passed away a few months after our meeting on the Internet. He is survived by his wife, brothers, at least one daughter and a grandson.



Jeff Everson, Reading Massachusetts, March 20, 2010