Buglers

A bugler is a musician, typically a soldier, who plays the bugle. The bugle is a brass instrument without valves, meaning it can only produce notes in its harmonic series. This limited range made it ideal for signaling in military settings. Buglers were historically used to communicate commands on the battlefield, such as "charge," "retreat," and "lights out." Their music could be heard over the din of battle, and specific calls became universally understood within armies. The role of the bugler has largely diminished with the advent of modern communication technologies like radios. However, buglers still play a ceremonial role in many military traditions, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom, sounding traditional calls at events like funerals and parades. The most famous bugle call is likely "Taps," played at military funerals and memorial services. Bugles themselves have a long history, evolving from earlier signaling instruments.