Thread: Taps at military funerals

I think if some person locally will play Taps thats great, But if there is not I think the military should be responsible to make sure there is !!! Just my 2 cents!!!

At most National Cemeteries, they make every effort to get a bugler, but as others have pointed out, the number of available buglers can be far outstripped by the number of funerals for veterans. Usually, the local military (if the funeral director has contact with them) or The American Legion, VFW or other veteran's organization will provide an honor guard if the military can't, but veterans (especially WW II and Korea veterans) are dying at an unbelievable rate. No one disagrees with what they deserve, but (sadly) demand often exceeds supply. I'm sure, Utopian, that the local national cemetery would allow you to play. If not, PM me.

And in the personal case I noted, no one but me noticed that it was a recording (or other device) in the bugle. It sounded as good as any Taps I have heard, which is too many, I can assure you.

The National Cemetery in Puerto Rico where my parents are interred have a roster of professional trumpeters, most of which I have played with throughout my career available for burial ceremonies. The NYPD uses a college mate of mine for all of theirs. I don't think it would be very difficult to find a trumpeter to play for these ceremonies with all the huge military bands and orchestras around, unfortunately I think it's more lack of effort on their part.

Originally Posted by Bayamontate

I don't think it would be very difficult to find a trumpeter to play for these ceremonies with all the huge military bands and orchestras around, unfortunately I think it's more lack of effort on their part.

I agree. In fact even a lot of decent high school trumpet players would be able to do it and it might build a little character and appreciation along the way.



Here is my soapbox declaration...

Yes, if a pre-recorded taps is played, it will be "perfect" every time as long as the device does not fail.
Yes, if a person plays taps, it will not always go right or be anything approaching perfection.

It is a very easy, and very difficult, piece to play. It consists of only 4 pitches totaling only 24 notes. Given the emotion behind taps, it is very hard to play. I believe that it always is played with emotion, or at least should be; yet in my opinion that emotion is lost in a recording. Again in my opinion that emotion is more important than perfection. The bugler who played taps for President Kennedy missed a note and wobbled a bit elsewhere, but he got the emotion right and I think that was all that mattered.

End of soapbox.

To Bayamontate and anyone else. I would appreciate any knowledgeable recommendations for a bugle.

I have read too many mixed reviews about the US Regulation bugles ($160) and fear it may be like Zeepk and Gold Dollar razors--it may look good but may be crap or of borderline quality. Kanstul bugles ($280) appear to be a much safer option but I have no experience with the brand. The Getzen bugle I know will be high quality but I'm not sure I can justify the higher price ($390). Please let me know you guys have any insight into these or any other bugle options.

I have a Kanstul and it works well, I've used a custom Bb trumpet and flugelhorn made by them in the past. My bugle does have a modified reciever for a Bach 3D mouthpiece, out of the box I didn't like the response or sound because the gap was off. She plays much better now.

P.S. I've played Taps at many burial ceremonies and it's always an emotional experience, I figure being the son of a WW 2 veteran and relative to many police officers would make it so. I attended a service for a colleague's father who decided he'd play it and didn't get past the second bar. That day I decided I'd have someone else do it, I've heard many professional, highly proficient trumpeters crack or miss a note on something so simole but it's emotionally a very difficult thing to get through.

I was very proud at my father in law's grave side service. He was a over 20 year Vet going in the Army Air Corps. before WW-II. He was in the China-Burma India campaign & stayed in until the early 60's.
Our nearest Air Force base is now Scott Air Force base in Southern Illinois. They brought a full funeral detail with a 2 buglers & & rifle squad. They did a really nice version of Taps with the buglers echoing each other. It was great! A 21 gun salute & had a 3 plane fighter flyover.I cried like a baby & thinking about it still brings a tear to my eye.
They traveled over 150 miles to pay last respects to my father in law & it made me so proud of him & the Air Force for what they did. We have several shell casings from the 21 gun salute in the case with his American flag. Makes me proud to be a vet!

Dave Huffman BT-3 USN

I am very thankful to all of you who perform Taps for veteran funerals. It is indeed a very special moment, whenever it is played.

Just thought I'd provide a little information about US veteran deaths. The largest ever group, WW II veterans were once the largest group, with 16 million serving. However now only 10% of them are still alive. There were 9 million Vietnam era veterans of whom 7 Million are alive, but are dying at the rate of 300/day. Surprisingly , a very large group is those who have served since Desert Shield and Storm and in the post 9/11 era. That number is over 5 million and still growing, so soon it will be the largest group of living veterans.

I say all this to say that the demand for services at veteran funerals is not going away, so appropriate services at their burials will continue to be an issue for some time. Let's keep honoring them!

I recently attended a funeral that had the Flag Detail and playing of Taps. It was beautiful and there weren't a lot of dry eyes after Taps. It's a great way to honor our Veterans.

Nothing like the real thing. I like a good piper too.