Hello Shipmates,

I am well aware that there is no longer a position of Bugler, that most of the duties are done by members of the Coast guard band, or by others who happen to play the Bugle, or other similar instrument such as a trumpet.
I found a Navy manual for Buglers dated 1953, and wondered if it was the same used by Coast guard Buglers that is why the cross posting to the History, and music boards.)

if there is anyone who could help me learn this manual, as I wish to learn all the calls not only to provide Taps at military services, but also to provide honors when requested and or required, and keep the Calls alive within our service.

The problems I face are twofold.

1. I wish to learn the positions described in the Manual such as "Carry bugle" , "present bugle", and the manual shows these rather than describes them. I am blind as many of you know, so looking at the picture. Is not an option I am well versed in drill, as I learned it while at Cape May, so understand these must be much like rifle movements, but if someone could describe them for me.

2. cannot read music, however that doesn't prevent me from learning the calls. I need to find someone who can play the Trumpet or Bugle that may be willing to record the calls so that I may learn them by ear. yes I understand that there are 104 calls listed, but if you put in the time, I'll make it worth it. Some of them I already know such as to the colors, revaly, retreat, taps, first call, Charge, adgident's call, and others, but as an aside your recordings I will compile into a CD of Navy/Coast Guard Bugle calls (with all credit to you of course.) There is no complete Bugle calls recording. There are many with mixing of Naval and Army calls, but none with all 104 calls listed.

So, what say you?

Semper Paratus, Robert Dittman USCG Auxiliary

P.S. the manual I found by google "Navy bugler manual"

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kb5ujm,

Very few of the bugle calls are used anymore.
I would guess that most trumpet players know around 10.

Chekc out this site:

http://bands.army.mil/music/bugle/default.asp

Check out Bugles Across America:
http://www.buglesacrossamerica.org/

or Taps Bugler:
http://www.tapsbugler.com/

Both excellent sources for bugle information. \

David Cox
BAA Bugler
Coast Guard Auxiliary

When my son Andy was a Boy Scout, he earned the Bugling Merit Badge at summer camp one year and subsequently went to the National Jamboree afterwards and was his Jambo Troop Bugler while there (he played both the coronet and trumpet in grade school and in the middle school regular and jazz bands).

Our Troop was supported by our local American Legion Post. Andy came out on several occasions in his Scout uniform to blow Taps at funerals. He also came out with me to blow Taps for two WWII Coasties whom had passed away and the families requested military honors.

I think the families really appreciated the live bugler there as opposed to the electronic bell in a trumpet or just a boombox, as it had been done in the past.

In 2002, a local reserve Coastie (and Chicago Police Officer) was tragicaly killed. His funeral was attended by many members of his PD District and his CG unit (AD and Reserve). The CG National Honor Guard conducted the internment, complete with Dolphin flyover and rifle salute.

An Auxiliarist who was a local school music teacher blew Taps at Brian's funeral. I feel the live bugler shows much greater respect at these events than any elctronic media.

IMHO.