Inauguration Parade Features Decatur Boy's Trumpet Performance

DECATUR, GA — A Decatur sixth grader played his trumpet outside Emory Decatur Hospital for 100 days last summer to support health care workers. On Jan. 20, one of his performances will be aired for a much bigger audience — President Joe Biden's virtual inauguration parade.

Jason Zgonc, a Decatur sixth grader, was selected from participants around the country to perform as part of Biden's Inauguration Day parade, according to a news release. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many inauguration activities are taking place virtually.

Jason's feature may be viewed during the parade, which is set to begin at 3:15 p.m. eastern and will be livestreamed online, as well as aired on multiple channels and social media platforms. During the segment, Jason will perform “God Bless America” at Emory Decatur Hospital with health care workers watching in the background.

Last summer, Jason shared his talent playing the trumpet to thank hospital staff affected by the pandemic. For 100 days — except during stormy or severe weather — the 12-year-old performed outside of Emory Decatur Hospital, the news release said. Jason began his tribute by playing “Over the Rainbow” and slowly added to his playlist with other movie theme songs and classical music.

Jason and his mother, Karen Zgonc, said his experience not only supported health care workers, but helped him improve as a young and aspiring musician.

“I made the decision to perform at Emory Decatur Hospital to bring happiness and hope to the health care workers who are working so hard because of the coronavirus,” Jason Zgonc said.

Edna Brisco, assistant chief nursing officer for Emory Decatur Hospital, said Jason helped encourage the hospital staff during the hardest days of the pandemic.

“I love the quote that says ‘music is food for the soul,’” Brisco said. “Jason has fed our souls for over 100 days. He has inspired us, he brought smiles to our faces and he supported us throughout our shifts. We cannot thank him enough for being here for us.”

According to the news release, Jason is a member of the Georgia All-State Band and a semi-finalist in the National Trumpet Competition. Music runs in his family, as his mother owns ZTunes Music in Atlanta and his father is a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

“We are so very proud of Jason’s commitment last year to bring a little bit of joy at the beginning or end of a long and intense shift for the health care workers at Emory Decatur Hospital,” Karen Zgonc said.

To view a video of Jason performing at Emory Decatur Hospital, visit YouTube.