Anzac bugler sets the tone
HE PLAYED for thousands in honour of thousands more.
Whether it was amid the chill and fog of Anzac Day dawn or under the shining sun of the late morning the notes that resonated out of Brendan Babington's cornet set the mood of remembrance.
As bugler at all five Warwick Anzac services Mr Babington said he was more than happy to play the Last Post and Reveille.
"Playing at the services has never fazed me because after the sacrifice the diggers made, the least I can do is donate half of my day," Mr Babington said.
"They were spread out enough at 5.30am, 7.30am, 9am, 9.30am and 11am and during the march with the Warwick City Band, that wasn't hectic and I had time to recover between."
Mr Babington, who has been playing the cornet for 10 years, said it took a lot of practice to master the military songs.
"The first year I played I still used the music but after more practice it just came naturally without the sheet music," he said.
"I have been playing at the services for five years and help out with Remembrance Day as well."
Like a bugler Mr Babington played without the use of his cornet's valves.
"A bugle doesn't have valves so I used the same technique of changing my lips and adjusting the air speed to create the notes that would be used on a bugle.
"Whether I have to buy one myself or the Warwick City Band gets one I would love to play on a bugle one year - it would make it that much more authentic."
