Live music, made by real humans, with real physical instruments, is the only real music.

Real live music, resonating in the space where it is created, hits human listeners more deeply than anything else.

Bill Hershey -- Click To Call:

Folds of Honor -- June 27, 2022

Live Taps Matters LLC

FUNERAL DIRECTORS -- VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW THIS

A huge misunderstanding by grieving families is that TAPS will be played by a live bugler. What almost always happens is that a person will push a button on a ceremonial bugle that will play a recording of taps. This misunderstanding can be eliminated. Do this instead:

Ask the Family these questions:

1. Are you aware that TAPS is now played electronically? Wait for answer.

2. Would you prefer to hear a LIVE BUGLER sound TAPS instead of hearing a recording? Wait for answer.

We have a bugler who plays TAPS beautifully. He was a bugler with The United States Army Band (Pershing’s Own) at Arlington National Cemetery.

3. Would you want this bugler to play LIVE TAPS for you? Wait for answer.

Upon request, as the family makes their way to the gravesite, mention he can play Amazing Grace or any other family favorite hymn or perhaps one of the five Military anthems such as the Navy’s Anchors Away, the Army’s Caisson Song. You could suggest this to the family – all part of his bugler fee - not an extra charge.

If not already known, give me a call to get my fee.

DID YOU KNOW THIS?

Live Taps can be played anywhere: local cemeteries, church services, memorials, etc.

Hire me as your professional Live Taps bugler -- a military veteran -- former professional trumpeter with The United States Army Band (Pershing's Own) at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.

For services 50 or more miles outside the Saint Louis, Missouri vicinity, an added mileage/time amount will be factored into my fee.

Military Funeral Honors reflects the high regard and respect accorded to Military Service and demonstrates military professionalism to the nation and the world. Instead of hearing Recorded Taps coming from a Ceremonial Bugle, request me, a highly skilled, professional Live Taps Bugler.

Cold, freezing weather? You want a highly skilled, professional bugler - no worries with Taps quality! You will clearly hear Live Taps played correctly.

Non-veteran families can also request Live Taps for their loved one -- it's not just for veterans.

Upon request, I can play any hymn the family would like to hear: Amazing Grace, Danny Boy, etc. Any of the five military anthems can also be requested: Army Caisson, Anchors Away, etc. If requested, these are usually played as the funeral procession is walking towards the gravesite.

Click Echo Taps to hear how it will sound with two buglers. This is available if the family requests it.

Go to Links page for Bagpiper contact -- Professional British Bagpiper -- MATT PANTALEONI

Bill Hershey -- Click To Call:

636-248-1823

Bill Hershey -- Click To Call:

636-248-1823

When it absolutely, positively needs to be performed LIVE and CORRECTLY.

Go to Links page for Bagpiper contact -- Professional British Bagpiper.

MILITARY - POLICE - FIREFIGHTERS - ANYONE

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- Taps For Veterans

Live Taps Matters -- Helping You Honor Life

When it absolutely, positively needs to be performed LIVE and CORRECTLY, ask for me. Live Taps Matters

Eliminate the musical uncertainty of how Taps will sound. Buglers have varying degrees of quality: Some good, many absolutely terrible. This is where I come in. With me, you can be certain my Live Taps will be played beautifully and correctly as the final farewell salute to your loved one.

Veterans deserve Live Taps, not a recording. If not requested, an electronic recording most likely will be played instead - Live Taps Matters.

I am a member of the Saint Louis Musician's Union Local 2-197.

Bugler Bill Hershey is better known around the Saint Louis area as the Live Taps Bugler. Whether sounding a call for "Attention," sounding "To The Color" at a patriotic ceremony, playing "To The Post" at a racing event, playing the "National Anthem," rendering "Taps" at a funeral or memorial service, or sounding "The Last Post" at ceremonies, these calls can provide a perfect option. I was a professional, highly skilled trumpeter / Taps Bugler with The United States Army Band (Pershing's Own) at Fort Myer, Virginia and sounded "Taps" at Arlington National Cemetery as a member of this elitist military band. Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery is currently where I have performed at Memorial Day and Veterans Day services in the Saint Louis area. I have sounded Live Taps at thousands of funerals and church funeral services, and at Civil War related events. I also sound brilliant, attention-grabbing trumpet fanfares using a piccolo trumpet at weddings and special events.