OXFORD – Every so often, two individuals come together in order to accomplish something amazing.

For 93-year-old Joe Renton, that something is passing down the love of music he has maintained all of his life. For 10-year-old Cora Van Kingsley, it’s learning to play the trumpet from a talented teacher and making the gift her own.

Renton, currently residing in Sidney, began playing trumpet when he was 17 and living in New York City. When he was drafted into the army in 1941, he brought his love of music with him and was selected to form a 60-piece band for the 102nd infantry division.

Unfortunately, almost as soon as the band was formed it was disbanded and the members, along with thousands of others, were sent overseas. Renton spent the next five years engaged in combat across Europe, even losing half his hearing to the war.

Despite the loss, as soon as the war began its decline, Renton re-formed the band and played for the victorious troops, accompanying great performers such as Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.

Renton returned home safely and in 1991 moved to Sidney, where he has been teaching music, free of charge, to interested children in Sidney, Afton and Bainbridge ever since.

“Music is our passion ... I want to bring enjoyment to people,” he said. Renton explained that many of his students have gone on to play or teach music professionally, one even graduating with a Ph.D. from Duke University.