Bugle calls are short traditional pieces of music played on a bugle; a member of the brass family of musical instrument.
Why are bugle calls used?
Bugle calls can be heard over long distances, even in a noisy environment (such as during a battle).
So it is a highly effective way to communicate simple information and orders to a large number of people.
Are bugle calls still used today?
Not as the original purpose in today’s armies due to use of modern communication tools.
However bugle calls are still used by many forces including Boys’ Brigade as part of traditional rituals with a particular role during ceremonial occasions.
Variations
A trumpet may be used in place of a traditional bugle.
The picture below shows the difference between a bugle (on the left) and a trumpet (on the right).
Click here to learn the types of bugle calls used in the Boys’ Brigade.