Navy Trumpet player from 77-82. First time I played taps was for an Army soldier that was 19 years old when he died. When I got the signal to play taps, after the first notes I heard screaming and I thought I had screwed up and almost stopped but kept going until the end. I found out afterwards the deceased mother threw herself on the casket and let out a wail after I started. The chaplain told me he was shaken from the incident as he had never seen that much grief displayed in all the funerals he had attended. It taught me the significance of what me and the entire group consisting of riflemen, flagbearers, and chaplain did to send off troops for the last time.
"Did they beat the Drum Slowly? Did they play the fife lowly? Did they sound the death march as they lowered you down? Did the band play the last post and chorus? Did the pipes play the flowers of the forest? " The green fields of france.
Master Chief Hacala. I, IT1 Aldershoff have been honored with the presents of Master Sergeant Jari Villaneuva at his Navy friends funeral 2015. We were in a small town on the east side of the Hudson River near Rhinebeck. I enjoyed his playing taps. He is better than I. I played with a replica Spanish- American War bulge for the last 17 years of my serves for the American armed services (mainly navy personnel). He then retired back to New York City musicians gathering on Saturday night. I have been following Master Sergeant since he started 2003 in the quest for the truth of TAPS. I think he had finished in 2006. My background is simple. high school trumpet join in delayed program April 14,1975 to Oct 30, 1984 active and then a reserves Nov. 1, 1984 to retired May 1, 2016. Master Chief Hacala, I do enjoy your presentations of Navy history videos that you make on RUclips. I learn a little bit more of what the Navy has done. General Butterfield was born in Utica, New York and went to Union College; Schenectady, New York. This is my home too. There is a Butterfield Hall at Union College and Master Sergeant Villaneuva has been there to give the history of General Butterfield. Thank you for your service Master Chief.
I'd always wished that my recruiter would have let me know that that was an option... That and legalman, both would have translated well into a retirement from the Navy and likely would have led to actually retiring at all. I can't complain though I did what I wanted to do and I did it well so... 👍
In 1982 there was a ceremony at Fort Bragg, NC dedicated to the paras from my Battalion (2nd Btln 325th Inf Reg 82nd Airborne Div) who died in a large scale drop in California. When Taps was blown two bugles were used. The first and primary bugle played Taps as per usual. The second bugle played much softer and was an "echo" of the primary. Out of 600+ paratroopers in attendance, there wasn't a dry eye in the house (including today).
Taps played at the beginning of this video was played correctly. Thank you. Usually, in movies and TV, it is done incorrectly. The three note sets for notes 7,8,9 and 10,11,12 and 13,14,15 are to be played as normal eighth notes. Outside of real Military Funeral Honors, they are almost always played with notes 7, 10, and 13 as a dotted eighth with notes 8, 11, and 14 as sixteenths. Correct is like Dah Dah Dahhh - Dah Dah Dahhh - Dah Dah Dahhh. Incorrect is like Daaah Da Dahhh - Daaah Da Dahhh - Daaah Da Dahhh. It is especially surprising when TV shows like JAG or NCIS who likely have at least one military advisor also do it incorrectly. Even the sheet music you find is sometimes correct, sometimes incorrect.
That is good info. I've been learning to play so that I can start performing Taps at veteran's funerals. I must admit that I was confused about the proper rhythm. I think it is because of the typical portrayal in media as you mentioned. I get the feeling that the "incorrect" way gives a more somber mood and therefor more is dramatic?
My father told that on his ship instead of playing TAPS for lights out, CLAIR DE LUNE was playred. That must have been a way to lull the crew to sleep.
Wonderful video. Fits perfectly with your Color Guard video. People today don’t realize that bugle calls and the colors were critical to command and control of soldiers pre modern communications, e.g. radio. I understand that the PLA was still using bugles to direct soldiers during the Korean War.
Part of Public Law 106-65 (passed in 1999) says that ALL Veterans (at family's request) are entitled to Military Funeral Honors including "... to include folding and presenting the United States burial flag and the playing of Taps." But there are NOT enough available buglers in the military. One solution is that one of the service members will pretend to be a bugler using a "ceremonial bugle" which is a bugle with an electronic device inside the bell that electronically sounds Taps. (Most of the time anyway. Sometimes it glitches or ends abruptly with a battery failure or something.) The argument is "better than a boom box". To help fill the void for LIVE BUGLERS, at least two national organizations have stepped up (and also many local ones). One is www.buglesacrossamerica.org. Another is www.tapsbugler.com/find-a-bugler/ and is by Jari Villaneuva mentioned in the video. I am a member of Bugles Across America and have played taps at quite a few Military Funeral Honors. And if desired, during the service can also play a hymn and we Navy folks should all know the beautiful Navy Hymn. And at some other events such as a Rotary Club Veteran's Day luncheon I might also play a medley of the service songs (in order of date created so there aren't any arguments about the order!). I sometimes get a chance to talk with some of the families and sometimes there are some very interesting stories. One request was from the widow of of Harald Bauer who was a WWII Veteran. However, he was on the German side shuttling Heinkel He 162 jets from manufacture to combat locations. He was shot down (.50 caliber in the leg) and captured by Americans. After the war, he joined the U.S. Army as they thought he would be good for intelligence work. He then transferred to the U.S. Navy as a pilot and retired as a U.S. Naval Commander. Later, he created and headed the European office of Associated Press. At another, some folks were from River Forest, Illinois and I grew up next door in Oak Park. I happened to mention I often rode my bicycle in front of the notorious Tony Accardo's River Forest Home (head of the Chicago mob for decades). And it turned out these people had bought and were now living in that very house. If you know anyone who needs a bugler, let them know about those volunteer organizations. Roughly 1,000 WWII veterans die every day and I think it peaked at 1,100 per day. And if you can play, consider joining an organization. You don't have to be former military. The Uniform for Bugles Across America is either your military uniform if you are serving or have served, a black suit, or the Bugles Across America uniform which is a Class A dark blue police uniform with a little red piping. It is designed to look more subdued than any military dress uniforms so we can stay more in the background.
The Canfied story was actually used as board material for the Army Sgt Promotion board. I actually believed this was the case because "Why would the Army use false info about trivial portions of it's history and customs?". This is the same as lore that revolves around the Firing party purpose and number of shooters/volleys that you mention in you "21 Gun Salute" video. Hell, IDK about the Navy but the Truk on the flag pole of an Army post contains a match , a razor blade and a .45 caliber pistol round. The purpose is first push the flag pole down in the direction of Washington and dig where the truk lays, you will find an m1911 pistol, thus allowing you to complete your final mission. This is to cut the stars and stipes from the flag and the match is used to burn the flag, and the pistol round is used to deny your enemy the glory of capturing ANY US Soldiers nor the flag. It becomes hilarious when you realize that there isnt any pomp and circumstance when a flagpole is replaced, and even more so when you realize that it's a civilian agency thats contracted out to fix/replace it. However this bit of lore is material in promotion/ Soldier of the Month Boards. I am curious as to your understanding of the Retreat Volley when the flag is lowered, because my promotion board says "to scare away the demons that the flag was holding back" is the purpose.
Dan butterflied was responsible for taps. he liked to wright bugle calls taps was originally called butterflied retreat the movie Gettysburg/book killer angles taught me alot ( tho I'm local to Gettysburg)
Drama is always an easy sale. There are so many stories going around. Don't dishonor the tune with the rubbish, Taps is what it is, leave it there. Concentrate of the meaning not the supposed origin. It does not need lyrics, the melody stands on its own.
Navy Trumpet player from 77-82. First time I played taps was for an Army soldier that was 19 years old when he died. When I got the signal to play taps, after the first notes I heard screaming and I thought I had screwed up and almost stopped but kept going until the end. I found out afterwards the deceased mother threw herself on the casket and let out a wail after I started. The chaplain told me he was shaken from the incident as he had never seen that much grief displayed in all the funerals he had attended. It taught me the significance of what me and the entire group consisting of riflemen, flagbearers, and chaplain did to send off troops for the last time.
In the UK we have the bugle call 'Last Post' which is used every night for 'Lights out' and also at military funerals.
"Did they beat the Drum Slowly?
Did they play the fife lowly? Did they sound the death march as they lowered you down?
Did the band play the last post and chorus?
Did the pipes play the flowers of the forest? "
The green fields of france.
A 6yr vet, I am very glad to find your channel. E6 STG pre Hussein. Love what you are sharing. BZ shipmate! MikeO
Master Chief Hacala. I, IT1 Aldershoff have been honored with the presents of Master Sergeant Jari Villaneuva at his Navy friends funeral 2015. We were in a small town on the east side of the Hudson River near Rhinebeck. I enjoyed his playing taps. He is better than I. I played with a replica Spanish- American War bulge for the last 17 years of my serves for the American armed services (mainly navy personnel). He then retired back to New York City musicians gathering on Saturday night. I have been following Master Sergeant since he started 2003 in the quest for the truth of TAPS. I think he had finished in 2006. My background is simple. high school trumpet join in delayed program April 14,1975 to Oct 30, 1984 active and then a reserves Nov. 1, 1984 to retired May 1, 2016. Master Chief Hacala, I do enjoy your presentations of Navy history videos that you make on RUclips. I learn a little bit more of what the Navy has done. General Butterfield was born in Utica, New York and went to Union College; Schenectady, New York. This is my home too. There is a Butterfield Hall at Union College and Master Sergeant Villaneuva has been there to give the history of General Butterfield. Thank you for your service Master Chief.
Even after 23+ years as a Navy Musician, I still learned quite a bit.
I'd always wished that my recruiter would have let me know that that was an option...
That and legalman, both would have translated well into a retirement from the Navy and likely would have led to actually retiring at all.
I can't complain though I did what I wanted to do and I did it well so... 👍
In 1982 there was a ceremony at Fort Bragg, NC dedicated to the paras from my Battalion (2nd Btln 325th Inf Reg 82nd Airborne Div) who died in a large scale drop in California. When Taps was blown two bugles were used. The first and primary bugle played Taps as per usual. The second bugle played much softer and was an "echo" of the primary. Out of 600+ paratroopers in attendance, there wasn't a dry eye in the house (including today).
"100% Bul Cookies!" - M. Hacala and Col. Sherman Potter
PHENOMENAL content in every one of your presentations.
Taps played at the beginning of this video was played correctly. Thank you. Usually, in movies and TV, it is done incorrectly. The three note sets for notes 7,8,9 and 10,11,12 and 13,14,15 are to be played as normal eighth notes. Outside of real Military Funeral Honors, they are almost always played with notes 7, 10, and 13 as a dotted eighth with notes 8, 11, and 14 as sixteenths. Correct is like Dah Dah Dahhh - Dah Dah Dahhh - Dah Dah Dahhh. Incorrect is like Daaah Da Dahhh - Daaah Da Dahhh - Daaah Da Dahhh. It is especially surprising when TV shows like JAG or NCIS who likely have at least one military advisor also do it incorrectly. Even the sheet music you find is sometimes correct, sometimes incorrect.
That is good info. I've been learning to play so that I can start performing Taps at veteran's funerals. I must admit that I was confused about the proper rhythm. I think it is because of the typical portrayal in media as you mentioned. I get the feeling that the "incorrect" way gives a more somber mood and therefor more is dramatic?
Great presentation Master Chief!
Good presentation! I've known Jari for years and bugled with him on several occasions.
Master Chief: I am a long time trumpeter, and bugle calls in general fly my flag, and Taps most of all. Thank you so much
My father told that on his ship instead of playing TAPS for lights out, CLAIR DE LUNE was playred. That must have been a way to lull the crew to sleep.
Wonderful video. Fits perfectly with your Color Guard video. People today don’t realize that bugle calls and the colors were critical to command and control of soldiers pre modern communications, e.g. radio. I understand that the PLA was still using bugles to direct soldiers during the Korean War.
Part of Public Law 106-65 (passed in 1999) says that ALL Veterans (at family's request) are entitled to Military Funeral Honors including "... to include folding and presenting the United States burial flag and the playing of Taps." But there are NOT enough available buglers in the military. One solution is that one of the service members will pretend to be a bugler using a "ceremonial bugle" which is a bugle with an electronic device inside the bell that electronically sounds Taps. (Most of the time anyway. Sometimes it glitches or ends abruptly with a battery failure or something.) The argument is "better than a boom box". To help fill the void for LIVE BUGLERS, at least two national organizations have stepped up (and also many local ones). One is www.buglesacrossamerica.org. Another is www.tapsbugler.com/find-a-bugler/ and is by Jari Villaneuva mentioned in the video. I am a member of Bugles Across America and have played taps at quite a few Military Funeral Honors. And if desired, during the service can also play a hymn and we Navy folks should all know the beautiful Navy Hymn. And at some other events such as a Rotary Club Veteran's Day luncheon I might also play a medley of the service songs (in order of date created so there aren't any arguments about the order!). I sometimes get a chance to talk with some of the families and sometimes there are some very interesting stories. One request was from the widow of of Harald Bauer who was a WWII Veteran. However, he was on the German side shuttling Heinkel He 162 jets from manufacture to combat locations. He was shot down (.50 caliber in the leg) and captured by Americans. After the war, he joined the U.S. Army as they thought he would be good for intelligence work. He then transferred to the U.S. Navy as a pilot and retired as a U.S. Naval Commander. Later, he created and headed the European office of Associated Press. At another, some folks were from River Forest, Illinois and I grew up next door in Oak Park. I happened to mention I often rode my bicycle in front of the notorious Tony Accardo's River Forest Home (head of the Chicago mob for decades). And it turned out these people had bought and were now living in that very house. If you know anyone who needs a bugler, let them know about those volunteer organizations. Roughly 1,000 WWII veterans die every day and I think it peaked at 1,100 per day. And if you can play, consider joining an organization. You don't have to be former military. The Uniform for Bugles Across America is either your military uniform if you are serving or have served, a black suit, or the Bugles Across America uniform which is a Class A dark blue police uniform with a little red piping. It is designed to look more subdued than any military dress uniforms so we can stay more in the background.
Bravo Zulu, love your channel very educational
The Canfied story was actually used as board material for the Army Sgt Promotion board. I actually believed this was the case because "Why would the Army use false info about trivial portions of it's history and customs?". This is the same as lore that revolves around the Firing party purpose and number of shooters/volleys that you mention in you "21 Gun Salute" video. Hell, IDK about the Navy but the Truk on the flag pole of an Army post contains a match , a razor blade and a .45 caliber pistol round. The purpose is first push the flag pole down in the direction of Washington and dig where the truk lays, you will find an m1911 pistol, thus allowing you to complete your final mission. This is to cut the stars and stipes from the flag and the match is used to burn the flag, and the pistol round is used to deny your enemy the glory of capturing ANY US Soldiers nor the flag. It becomes hilarious when you realize that there isnt any pomp and circumstance when a flagpole is replaced, and even more so when you realize that it's a civilian agency thats contracted out to fix/replace it. However this bit of lore is material in promotion/ Soldier of the Month Boards. I am curious as to your understanding of the Retreat Volley when the flag is lowered, because my promotion board says "to scare away the demons that the flag was holding back" is the purpose.
12:00 this sounds interesting and makes me want to join the service. I love music with a passion.
One of the best channels on RUclips
Thank you sir I really enjoy watching your videos great job, awesome channel!
The angel of Marye’s heights.
Dan butterflied was responsible for taps. he liked to wright bugle calls taps was originally called butterflied retreat the movie Gettysburg/book killer angles taught me alot ( tho I'm local to Gettysburg)
Time for All Personel to Sleep (TAPS)
Well done Master Chief! Could you do a video on ship's buglers assigned to BBs?
Dam dam butterfield haha I can see that happening
Mitch Miler gave us a bouncing ball so we would know we were near the end.
The Boy Scouts actually had lyrics written for Taps in the handbook,it starts,day is done,gone the sun,can't remember the rest tho.🤔🤔🤔
Bull cookies by Mark Hacala,horse hockey by Colonel Sherman T. Potter!😆😆😆
Taps
Drama is always an easy sale. There are so many stories going around. Don't dishonor the tune with the rubbish, Taps is what it is, leave it there. Concentrate of the meaning not the supposed origin. It does not need lyrics, the melody stands on its own.
🇺🇲
Well the US NAVY is the best Navy in the world.