An Army veteran's impromptu saxophone performance turned a delayed flight into a festive and heartwarming experience, according to CNN, adding a little warmth to a chilly December day. Wayne Hoey, a retired musician with over 20 years of service in the US Army Band, was returning from a family visit to Detroit when his Delta Air Lines connecting flight to Augusta, Georgia, was delayed by over an hour at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport airport.
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Passengers were already becoming impatient with the delay as the jet waited at the gate. The passengers' wait was further prolonged when the crew told them that the replacement flight crew had become detained in traffic. Amid the growing tension, Hoey, who noticed a few toddlers across the aisle beginning to fuss, saw an opportunity to lighten the mood.
An impromptu solution turned frustration into joy
Hoey, who always travels with his saxophone, approached a flight attendant and offered a unique solution: he could play a few Christmas carols to calm the restless passengers. Surprised, but open to the idea, the flight attendant got approval from the cockpit, and Hoey began an impromptu performance down the aisle.
Hoey told CNN: "I asked her, 'Ma'am, would you like me to play a few tunes on my saxophone? I think I can get them to quiet down.'"
As Hoey moved up and down the aisles, his saxophone filled the cabin with the sound of holiday classics. Passengers began clapping, singing along, and some even shouted out song requests. Among the songs Hoey played were "Jingle Bells," "Silent Night," "Holly Jolly Christmas," and "Oh Holy Night."
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Hoey's performance even caught the attention of a young child, prompting him to play the crowd-pleasing "Baby Shark." When one passenger asked about his favorite Christmas song, Hoey, who has four children and 10 grandchildren, also performed a soulful rendition of "Mary, Did You Know?" -- his favorite song that moves him deeply due to its emotional lyrics.
Going viral
Passenger Kate Dailey described how the music immediately changed the atmosphere on board in a video that she posted on Facebook. Numerous others found resonance in her article, which sparked shares and comments emphasizing the positive impacts of Hoey's action.
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Dailey described in her post that the passengers' mood began to change.
"The poor flight attendants were trying their best to keep people comfortable and calm, but you know how it is. People are hot, tired and cramped in a packed flight. You could *feel* the tension rising in the air. So I was surprised and delighted when this gentleman, got up and put together his saxophone and started playing carols (even Baby Shark for the kids) up and down the aisle."
According to Miami Daily Life, Hoey, who always has his saxophone with him, continues the custom of impromptu concerts that began while he was in the military. He usually plays with his eyes closed and isn't aware that cameras are recording him, so the viral nature of the video surprised him.
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Posts A lifelong love for music
During his more than 20 years in the US Army Band, which included a term with the Eighth Army Band in South Korea, Hoey developed a deep love for music. Prior to relocating to Augusta, Georgia, Hoey taught in schools around Colorado and obtained degrees in music teaching after retiring. He now shares his passion for music with the next generation by filling in as a music instructor at nearby schools on occasion.
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Delta Air Lines thanked Hoey for his performance, stating that although the company has its own in-flight entertainment options, Hoey's participation was a special and enjoyable experience for all passengers. A Delta spokesperson said to CNN in a statement: "While Delta's in-flight entertainment system offers hundreds of options to engage our customers, we thank him for providing this lighthearted moment as well as his service to our country."