Bugle gives Anzac tribute new sound

With a new bugle in hand, Comet Bay College music student Damien Webster stood proud, ready to sound the Last Post.

The instrument was courtesy of the WA Returned and Services League which handed out 20 bugles to schools across the State to mark the Anzac Centenary.

RSL president Graham Edwards visited the college last Tuesday to present the bugle.

He said he had noticed at most school services the Last Post rouse was sounded on a trumpet, prompting the donation.

"There is no doubt that when there is a live bugle there is a completely different feel at an Anzac service," he said. Mr Edwards said he hoped providing the bugles would encourage students to want to learn how to play the instrument, and be inspired to study the history of the bugle, Last Post and the Anzacs.

"It is another way to connect with young people and to ensure the traditions live on," he said.

Damien, 15, who sounded the Last Post at the Rockingham RSL service in front of 20,000 people this year, said he looked forward to perfecting his technique with the bugle.

Damien said he usually played the trumpet, but found the bugle had a distinctly different feel.

"The bugle has no valves, but the trumpet has three - when you play there is a different sense to it and the notes come out differently because you are using your lips and the air pressure," he said.

Mr Edwards said the bugles were made and purchased in Prague, for their top quality, with money raised from the Bankwest Gallipoli Fun Run.

Principal Jamie Hayres said he appreciated the gesture from the RSL.

"It is a great recognition of the college's commitment to commemorating the Anzacs," he said.

Students who play the bugle will have the opportunity to go through an RSL program and become accredited bugle players.