Taps Prologue

"Taps" is probably the most recognized military bugle call in America. It is notably used for military funerals and memorial services. Though brief and simple, its meaning and haunting melody move us easily, often to tears. It helps us remember the patriots who have served our country with honor.

Creating an arrangement for school children turned out to be a bit daunting for a couple of reasons. First, we weren't sure if it was appropriate. Most of the usages we have heard simply used a solo bugle for performance. Second, the lyrics we are most familiar with incorporate the words, "God is nigh," which may be a problem for some schools.

To address our first concern, we sought the help of eminent "Taps" historian and bugler Major Jari Villanueva (retired). He told us there were many arrangements of "Taps" and music that includes "Taps" for various groups, including his own. The only thing he suggested is that we avoid using it as an echo song. (Which we have done.) Major Villanueva, who may well be the country's leading authority on "Taps" is himself a veteran of over 5,000 ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. His web site tapsbugler.com is a treasure trove of information about the piece, including its history. It is well worth a visit with your students should you decide to make this a teachable moment. In fact, it's also worth noting to your students (and audience) that "Taps" is 150 years old in 2012. To learn more about the commemoration of this event as well as efforts to have "Taps" elevated to our National Song of Remembrance, visit taps150.org (Special thanks to Major Villanueva as well as our own Kristyn Johnson for the help with this project.)

Regarding the lyrics, we decided to go ahead with the best-known version, which many of us learned when we were kids in the Scouts. We found a source for these lyrics dating back to 1915, which we are hoping is "historic" enough to justify their use in the classroom. If this still presents a problem, you can always substitute other words. A quick search for "Taps" lyrics will show a few options. Here's one of the more popular ones:

• Fading light dims the sight,
• And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
• From afar drawing near,
• Falls the night.

If you want to make this a serious show piece in a patriotic performance, such as for Memorial Day, consider using "Taps Prologue" prior to the arrangement of "Taps" itself. The "Prologue" is very simple – kids basically sing the melody on "loo" while others speak historic quotations regarding patriots who have given their lives for their country. Our recording gives an example of how this can work. We chose to use several speakers, but you can mix it up any way that works for you. We also chose to announce the author at the end of each respective quotation. If this part feels difficult or awkward, you can leave it out.

Ideally, if you use the "Prologue," you will then segue right into "Taps." We separated them slightly on the recording however, in case you do not wish to do it this way. If you do, you could also speed up the connection by forwarding to the next song immediately at the end of the first one.

The song "Taps" actually uses the lyrics as we mentioned earlier. They are quite brief and simple, so all of your singers should be able to participate. It's important to discuss with them that when they are done singing, they should do their best to remain still and respectful. In the arrangement, a single trumpet takes over the melody and the background drops out for a while. It comes back in at the end for the final chords (which some may consider reminiscent of an "amen"). If you have quiet students listening, you may find some of your audience members are compelled to stand, remove hats, etc. This is the power these 24 notes have over us. They are due our respect.

On our web site, we have also provided a couple of extras you may find useful. One is an a cappella version (one verse only), and the other is a solo trumpet version. If the opportunity to use these for an appropriate occasion presents itself, use them with our blessings. Details for how to download them can be found on page 67.