Taps

Courtesy of Jari Villanueva & tapsbugler.com

The call Taps was written in July 1862 and originally attributed to General Daniel Butterfield although it has been found to have been adapted from the last 5 measures of an earlier (1835) version of Tattoo. First sounded by Brigade bugler Oliver Willcox Norton, the call soon replaced Extinguish Lights. The earliest official reference to the mandatory use of Taps at military funeral ceremonies is found in the US Army Infantry Drill Regulations for 1891 (P. 283) although it had doubtless been used unofficially long before that time, under its former designation Extinguish Lights.

PERFORMANCE AUTHORIZATIONS

The performance of Taps is authorized and limited for the following occasions only.

(Performance is not authorized for any other purposes.)

1. Taps is sounded at the end of a military day. It is sounded 1 hour after Tattoo.

2. Taps is sounded at military funerals.

3. Taps is sounded at memorial services.

4. Taps is sounded at wreath ceremonies.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

1. Taps is only authorized to be performed as illustrated above. No other version is authorized.

2. Taps is only authorized to be sounded live by a solo military bugler. Only when a military bugler is not available may a professional civilian bugler may be utilized.

3. Taps is to be sounded only on a trumpet, cornet or regulation bugle. It is to be played open without a mute and unaccompanied by any other instruments.

PERFORMANCE PROCEDURES AT FUNERALS

1. Bugler is to prepare before the funeral, making sure to have the proper ceremonial uniform and outer wear in case of inclement weather. Uniform, appearance, and instrument should meet or exceed the military standards as outlined in regulations.

2. Bugler is to report promptly to the funeral site at the appropriate time and report to the Officer or Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge.

3. Bugler is to position him/herself near the gravesite angled from the firing party. The bugler should take care to position him/herself in a location were the sound will carry to the funeral party and where he/she can be seen. The bell of the instrument should be pointed towards the casket.

4. The bugler will render a hand salute as the casket is carried to the grave site. The bugler will then go to ceremonial at ease during the funeral service.

5. When the service is complete the OIC or NCOIC will Present Arms. The firing party will go to attention and fire three volleys. Bugler will sound Taps after the third volley and after the NCOIC of the firing party executes Present Arms. After sounding Taps, the bugler will render a hand salute and order arms on the command of the NCOIC of the firing party.

6. When a firing party is not available, the bugler will sound Taps on completion of the service and at a arranged signal by either the OIC, NCOIC or officiating person. After sounding Taps, the bugler will render a Hand Salute and Order Arms on his/her own. A recording of a firing party is not authorized.

PERFORMANCE PROCEDURES AT OTHER CEREMONIES

1. Bugler is to prepare before the funeral, making sure to have the proper ceremonial uniform and outer wear in case of inclement weather. Uniform, appearance, and instrument should meet or exceed the military standards as outlined in regulations.

2. Bugler is to report to the ceremony site at the appropriate time and report to the Officer In Charge or Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge.

3. Bugler will sound Taps at designated signal. After sounding Taps, the bugler will render a hand salute and Order Arms on his/her own.

PERFORMANCE GUIDELINE

1. The sounding of Taps at ceremonies is the most sacred duty a bugler can perform. Every effort should be made to sound a perfect Taps in keeping with the solemn and impressive occasion of a military ceremony.

2. The call should be sounded with conviction and not rushed. Every effort should be made to perform musically and with good intonation.

3. Careful attention should be made to the rhythm of the 7th, 8th,10th, 11th, 13th and 14th notes of Taps to insure they are played as straight eight notes.