By Dave Babbitt – Special to the Sydenham Current
There are many fine musicians amongst us in our little hamlet of Wallaceburg, but there are a few that, to me, are standouts. While their musical skills are extremely good, some stand out because they don’t just ‘play’ music—they ‘live’ music.
I had known a bit about Meighan Lung for many years, having taught alongside her father, George Lung. By the mid-1990s, Meighan made her way to WDSS and into my music class, where she played the trumpet.
I knew Meighan was a straight-A student and had studied piano for many years, so her musical roots were already deeply planted. I’ve often said that every serious music student should study piano first because it’s a great visual tool. The relationships of notes and how chords are built are clearly visible on the keyboard. While I am not a piano player (I’m a hypocrite, I know), I’ve long used the keyboard to teach music theory and figure out challenging theoretical concepts.
Having studied piano for many years, Meighan’s theoretical knowledge was already solid when she entered high school, allowing her to focus on developing her trumpet skills. Theory was a breeze for her. Her trumpet skills developed rapidly, and she quickly became someone I could rely on to play the challenging parts in our school band.
After graduation, Meighan went on to university and eventually landed a teaching position at H.W. Burgess School, where she has been teaching ever since.
In my trumpet-playing career, I had developed musical relationships with a few others over the years. For many years, I frequently played with Kent Babbey until he eventually decided to hang up his horn. At that point, I cautiously began seeking new playing partners.
I recall my father once saying to me, “Dave, I like to drink, but I’m fussy about who I drink with.” I have the same attitude about playing the trumpet. I love to play, but I’m fussy about who I play with.
Much like hockey players develop linemates who can read one another, the same thing happens in music. Kent and I had that kind of connection, but I needed someone new. It quickly became apparent that Meighan was an excellent complement to my own playing, and we developed that ability to “read” one another.
Meighan and I have now played in countless church services and other events. My son Ryan has since joined us, transforming what was once a duet into a trio.
Meighan is an excellent reader of music notation and complex rhythms. Over time, she has developed an impressive range on the trumpet. When I put out the call to start the Wallaceburg Concert Band (WCB), Meighan was one of the first to answer. She now anchors our trumpet section, handling much of the high-range playing that first trumpet parts require.
It was through her work with the WCB that I realized Meighan didn’t just *play* music—she *lives* music. Unless one is a professional, few can match her level of involvement in music.
Meighan teaches private piano lessons and has maintained a steady clientele for many years. After her school day ends, she is home by 4 p.m., welcoming student after student for lessons.
She is also a member of the Wallaceburg Brass Quintet, serves on the WCB executive, and acts as the Instrument Librarian. She dedicates significant time to practicing concert band music, shows up prepared, and frequently organizes sectional or small-group practice sessions.
Meighan also plays piano in church services and rings handbells whenever the opportunity arises. I still manage to corral her to play in church services with me, though it’s increasingly difficult due to her busy schedule.
For several years now, Dan White has organized concerts featuring the Wallaceburg Brass Quintet and other small ensembles made up mostly of WCB members. Meighan is always a key participant, not only playing in the quintet but also providing piano accompaniment for soloists and other ensembles.
Additionally, she is an integral part of the Brass Factory Big Band.
None of this even touches on her role as a teacher with the LKDSB. While some teachers may “get by” in subjects like Physical Education, it’s nearly impossible to teach music without a solid background. Many teachers are happy to “off-load” the music curriculum, but Meighan loves teaching music. She has made a strong case for herself to teach as much of the music curriculum at H.W. Burgess as the principal will allow.
Beyond her teaching duties, Meighan has voluntarily produced musicals twice a year for many years. Dan, Joni, and I have been involved in the technical aspects of her musicals, with me handling sound and audio, and Dan and Joni managing lighting. We’ve seen firsthand the incredible effort she puts into these productions.
Producing musicals is not a job requirement but a voluntary passion. Over the past two weeks alone, Meighan has been teaching piano five days a week, played two demanding WCB concerts, attended band and quintet rehearsals, prepared for the upcoming Wallaceburg Brass Quintet and Friends concert, and rehearsed for the Brass Factory concert next week. Tonight, after wrapping up her school musical and helping clean up for an hour and a half, she was headed home to practice piano accompaniments for the Dec. 20 quintet concert at Trinity United Church.
She just doesn’t quit.
Music isn’t something Meighan Lung *does*—it’s part of her very being. Many school students, private students, the Wallaceburg Concert Band, the Brass Factory Big Band, the Wallaceburg Brass Quintet, several churches, and myself are all beneficiaries of her love of music.
Thank you, Megs, for all you contribute to enriching our musical lives!
