Blog – The Duty Bugler

Bugle Cords

Post author:Buddy Cooke
Post published:April 15, 2022
Post category:Hardware History
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Decorative cords are found on bugles in various nations. Some buglers wrap cord around the entire length of the bugle, from one bend to the other. Sometimes this is done…

The Growth of Brass Bands

Post author:Buddy Cooke
Post published:March 25, 2022
Post category:History
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This is slightly off the topic of bugling, but we must remember that the rise of the brass band coincides with the expanded adoption, and use, of bugles by militaries.…

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Post author:Buddy Cooke
Post published:March 18, 2022
Post category:History traditions
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Who selected the Unknown Soldier that became interned at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery? Sgt. Edward F. Younger of Headquarters Co., 2nd Batl., 50th Infantry,…

Roman Military Horns

Post author:Buddy Cooke
Post published:March 13, 2022
Post category:Hardware History
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Ancient Roman armies used three types of horns. The tuba (shown right) was a straight instrument, about 117 cm (46 in) long, made of bronze, which was a predecessor to…

History of US Competition Bugles: Part 3

Post author:Buddy Cooke
Post published:June 2, 2021
Post category:Hardware
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This is a continuation of Part 1 and Part 2 In 1971 a number of drum and bugle corps were unhappy with the rules set by the American Legion and…

Who woke up the bugler?

Post author:Buddy Cooke
Post published:May 20, 2021
Post category:History
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I don't have a direct first-hand reference (or I didn't read that part), but from what I do know, and from serving in the Army, I can make a pretty…

Powerful Men

Post author:Buddy Cooke
Post published:May 6, 2021
Post category:Videos
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https://youtu.be/LfrKhEgZJNU Powerful Menon a Kanstul M1892 Bugle in G

History of US Competition Bugles: Part 2

Post author:Buddy Cooke
Post published:May 4, 2021
Post category:Hardware
Post comments:1 Comment

This is a continuation from Part 1. In the mid 1950s, corps began experimenting with the ``slip-slide'' technique. Initially, corps would use sandpaper and polish to smooth out their tuning…

History of US Competition Bugles: Part 1

Post author:Buddy Cooke
Post published:May 4, 2021
Post category:Hardware
Post comments:3 Comments

American soldiers returning from World War I founded a veterans organization, the American Legion, in 1919. Reportedly impressed by British and French drum and bugle corps they had seen in…

What is the correct key for Taps?

Post author:Buddy Cooke
Post published:May 4, 2021
Post category:traditions
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I received a question from a member of our list: “What is the accepted pitch for Taps? Bb or G or ?” The answer is: the key of whatever horn…