taps

Taps - 24 notes...

An audio file of the playing of taps.

History of Taps:

Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to render emotion than Taps. Up to the Civil War, the traditional call at day's end was a tune, borrowed from the French, called Lights Out. In July of 1862, in the aftermath of the bloody Seven Days battles, hard on the loss of 600 men and wounded himself, Union General Daniel Adams Butterfield called the brigade bugler to his tent. He thought "Lights Out" was too formal and he wished to honor his men. Oliver Wilcox Norton, the bugler, tells the story, "...showing me some notes on a staff written in pencil on the back of an envelope, (he) asked me to sound them on my bugle. I did this several times, playing the music as written. He changed it somewhat, lengthening some notes and shortening others, but retaining the melody as he first gave it to me. After getting it to his satisfaction, he directed me to sound that call for Taps thereafter in place of the regulation call. The music was beautiful on that still summer night and was heard far beyond the limits of our Brigade. The next day I was visited by several buglers from neighboring Brigades, asking for copies of the music which I gladly furnished. The call was gradually taken up through the Army of the Potomac."

This more emotive and powerful Taps was soon adopted throughout the military. In 1874 It was officially recognized by the U.S. Army. It became standard at military funeral ceremonies in 1891. There is something singularly beautiful and appropriate in the music of this wonderful call. Its strains are melancholy, yet full of rest and peace. Its echoes linger in the heart long after its tones have ceased to vibrate in the air.

- from an article by Master Sergeant Jari A Villanueva, USAF.

Performing “Taps” in a Military Funeral Honors Ceremony:

Standards: The performance of “Taps” is a stationary function.

Performance Steps:

Prepare for the ceremony:

Inspect your uniform.

Position the bugle horizontally between the left arm and body, with the bell pointed forward and the left hand gripping the front tubing of the bugle and assume the position of attention.

Assume the parade rest position while waiting for the veterans remains to arrive. Simultaneous movement occurs:

Left foot moves 10 inches to the left of the right foot.

Right hand moves to the small of your back, centered on the belt.

Fingers and thumb extended and joined with palm facing outward.

Perform the following actions:

When the remains arrive at the burial location and are being moved from the hearse or caisson to the gravesite, come to the position of attention and render a hand salute. After the casket is put in place, cut your salute and return to the position of parade rest.

On cue, when it’s time for “Taps” to be played:

Come to the position of attention.

Ready instrument.

With your left hand, bring the bugle up to your lips while simultaneously bringing your right hand up to grip the top and center of the bugle. Release your left hand and bring it down to your side.

Left arm hangs straight down without stiffness.

Keep left thumb straight along seam of trouser leg.

Left hand fingers are curled with tip of the thumb touching first joint of index finger and with the first joint of the fingers touching the trousers.

“Taps” is played and lasts about one minute.

While “Taps” is being played, breath normally.

Upon completion of “Taps”, bring your left hand up and grip the front tubing of the bugle and return to the carry position. Release your right hand and bring it down to your side and remain in the position of attention until the ceremony is completed. After the funeral detail departs the area, the service is complete.

The words

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.

Love, good night, Must thou go,
When the day, And the night
Need thee so?
All is well. Speedeth all
To their rest.

Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.

Thanks and praise, For our days,
'Neath the sun, Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.

Taps related web sites to view:

www.24notes.org

www.tapsbugler.com

www.echotaps.org

ceremonialbugle.com