Iowa native makes music to honor Reagan

An Iowa native is the man behind the music being played at all the official services honoring of former President Ronald Reagan. David Artley, who is from Hampton, is the state funeral music coordinator for the Military District of Washington. He says his job this week is to work behind the scenes to organize the music for the various state tributes to the man who launched his career in Iowa.He says there are plans in place, as all former presidents are authorized to have a state funeral. He says Reagan’s plan has been in the works for 10 to 15 years. Artley works with the families of the president to organize the music.He says families have special music, and when they don’t care, he plugs in the right music. He also helps decide who will play the music and organize it so they’re in the right place. Artley is normally a trumpeter in the United States Army Band, and plays at most state functions in the Washington DC area.He’s played taps at Arlington National Cemetery, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and he plays with the band in all aspects, from full band funerals, to events in Washington. Artley also coordinated the music for the ceremonies honoring Reagan in California, and says he hopes everything in Washington goes well and he stays off camera.