Thread: Taps at military funerals

I've played it at military and police funerals using Bb trumpet, cornet and bugle. IMO, the bugle is the more authentic way to proceed.

I asked a colleague to play it on bugle at my father's burial.

TAPS
I needed some more information on taps.

Thanks for the comments guys. Please keep them coming.

What started this was that my dad was buried a couple days ago and I was very bothered by the tinny and too perfect yet fake and emotionless bugle call. As a trumpet player who has played taps many times, I was annoyed by what I heard. Since I tend toward the pessimistic side of things a little too often, I wondered if I was doing so again with my reaction to this recorded taps. I gladly would have played it myself but a family member objected and wanted it to be "full military."

I am considering speaking with someone at the cemetery about this. My dad died a year and a half ago and managed to be the 4th veteran buried there; but they have 87 more burials on the waiting list for this newly opened cemetery. I would be willing to buy a bugle (yes Bayamonte I agree that a bugle would be better so I am looking for one now) and will try to do taps for as many of the funerals as I possibly can as long as the people who run the cemetery and families want it.

I just wanted to make sure that I was not over-reacting to my personal dislike for the recorded taps, so that was why I started this thread.

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

I was recently at a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery in the Old Chapel, where TAPS was played (apparently) by a bugler in uniform. As it turned out, it was an electronic device inserted in the instrument, which explained what it was so perfect. Had I not been standing next to him, I would have never known. Not to be argumentative, but it is the honor being bestowed, not the instrument that is important.

Thank you for that counterpoint and I definitely agree that the honor is part of issue. To me, it is not so much the sound of the recorded taps that bothers me (and it does) it is the lack of effort, and therefore honor, that it involves. What if the gun salute was recorded? What if a pre-folded and pre-packaged flag was delivered to you by Amazon some time after the funeral?

To me, the ease and convenience of the recorded taps means no one could be bothered to do it right--and I don't think that is the right way to honor our veterans.

Protocol and tradition are staples in military service and life, IMO the recorded taps is disrespectful on many levels. Canned music is the wave of the future but again IMO has no place in something so time honored as a military funeral. Reasonably priced bugles with easily modifiable receivers for cornet mouthpieces are easy to find.

Utopian, I completely agree on your lack of effort point of view.

Originally Posted by Utopian

Thanks for the comments guys. Please keep them coming.

What started this was that my dad was buried a couple days ago and I was very bothered by the tinny and too perfect yet fake and emotionless bugle call. As a trumpet player who has played taps many times, I was annoyed by what I heard. Since I tend toward the pessimistic side of things a little too often, I wondered if I was doing so again with my reaction to this recorded taps. I gladly would have played it myself but a family member objected and wanted it to be "full military."

I am considering speaking with someone at the cemetery about this. My dad died a year and a half ago and managed to be the 4th veteran buried there; but they have 87 more burials on the waiting list for this newly opened cemetery. I would be willing to buy a bugle (yes Bayamonte I agree that a bugle would be better so I am looking for one now) and will try to do taps for as many of the funerals as I possibly can as long as the people who run the cemetery and families want it.

I just wanted to make sure that I was not over-reacting to my personal dislike for the recorded taps, so that was why I started this thread.

Sorry to hear about your father,,,,

I was unaware of the taps situation until you brought it up. I doubt there are enough buglers out there to keep up with the demand.

If your willing to give your time , then I'm sure an effort can be made by the Administration here to allow for donations for your new bugle. Many here would donate to the cause.

I would give myself, and Ron the offer of playing would be gladly accepted by most, it's getting harder to find people willing to give of their time for these events. but thanks to the few who are able and you will be rewarded for your effort. God bless you Ron. Tc

I greatly appreciate the thought but please don't take any thought of a donation any further.

First, I don't have any idea if the administrators of this particular cemetery will allow a non-military bugler. I'll be asking them about that as soon as possible.

Second, this is something that I feel obliged to do myself. My job situation changed last year and my income is a third of what it used to be but if I decide to buy a decent bugle I can afford to do it myself. If need be I can sell a few razors or maybe even a few hones.

I'm sure that there are lots of veterans programs, like the Wounded Warrior Project, that would be a more appropriate destination for donations.

The last time I did funeral detail, many years ago, we had one of us behind the van with a tape player. When my father passed I talked to the funeral home and found a group of vets that volunteered to do services in the area. You should go by the funeral homes and let them know your willingness as the family chooses what parts of the service if any the detail will perform.