It consists of a tube with a bell shape opening at one end and a cup-shaped mouthpiece at the other. Since it has no valves or keys, the notes available on a bugle are limited to the natural, or so-called "open tones," scale. Only five different notes are required to play the various bugle calls. The sound is produced by the pressure of the player's breath and the tension on the mouthpiece of his lips, which act as reeds. Bugles have a treble, or high, range in pitch and are usually tuned to the key of B flat.
The word "bugle" comes from the Latin word buculus, meaning "young bull." In early times when people wanted to signal one another, they blew through the tip of a hollow animal horn. The horn of a young bull was most frequently used for this purpose.
The bugle of today is a descendant of the ancient battle horns used by men thousands of years ago. One such instrument is mentioned in the Bible. The Hebrew shofar, a ram's horn-was used by Joshua at the battle of Jericho, and Gideon used hundreds of shofars to terrify the Midanites.
Around the middle of the 18th century, the bugle became the chief signal instrument of military regiments in Europe. Bugle calls of that time resembled those of today. Although it is now less important in military life than it used to be, the bugle has retained strong military associations.
Bugle calls are familiar melodies that announce certain duties in military camp life. Reveille, a quick, lively tune, means "time to get up." Taps, a slow, sad melody, means "go to sleep" and is commonly played at military funerals. The armed forces of most countries have their own bugle calls.
The Boy Scouts use the bugle at camp to announce such activities as swimming, meals, and raising or lowering the United States flag. Each troop has its own bugler. An especially good Scout bugler can win a merit badge for his talent.
