Bugling Merit Badge (Worksheet & Requirements)
The Bugling merit badge is an Eagle-required merit badge that tests Scouts knowledge of the fundamentals and techniques of bugling. It was first introduced in the Boy Scouts of America in 1920.
To earn the Bugling merit badge, Scouts must complete the following requirements:
- Demonstrate the proper care of bugles and other bugling equipment.
- Demonstrate several techniques of bugling, including pitching, breath control, articulation, phrasing, and embellishments.
- Know the range and demonstrate the proper bugle calls for: assembly, retreat, mess call, and taps.
- Play either a bugle call, or an arrangement of a march, hymn, or other popular tune for at least 45 seconds continuously.
- Know the history of bugling and of bugle calls.
Bugling Worksheet
Scouts can use the following worksheet to help them complete the requirements for the Bugling merit badge.
| Requirement | My Work |
|---|---|
| Demonstrate the proper care of bugles and other bugling equipment. | I demonstrated the proper care of bugles and other bugling equipment by cleaning the instrument regularly and inspecting it for damage, as well as maintaining proper storage conditions. |
| Demonstrate several techniques of bugling, including pitching, breath control, articulation, phrasing, and embellishments. | I demonstrated pitching by working on my tone quality and pitch accuracy. I demonstrated breath control by increasing my exercises and improving my breathing rhythm. I practiced articulation by practicing tonguing each note. I practiced phrasing by emphasizing certain notes in a phrase. I also worked on embellishments by adding grace notes or trills. |
| Know the range and demonstrate the proper bugle calls for: assembly, retreat, mess call, and taps. | I demonstrated the proper bugle calls for assembly, retreat, mess call, and taps. I also learned the range of the bugle and the notes associated with each call. |
| Play either a bugle call, or an arrangement of a march, hymn, or other popular tune for at least 45 seconds continuously. | I played an arrangement of a march for 60 seconds continuously, demonstrating my ability to play an extended bugle call or arrangement of a song. |
| Know the history of bugling and of bugle calls. | I researched the history of bugling and the evolution of bugle calls in the military and scouting organizations. |
Once you have completed all of the requirements, you can bring your completed worksheet to your counselors to receive your Bugling merit badge.