The instantly recognisable bugle call, symbolising the duty of the dead is over and they can rest in peace, was yesterday played by Brian Yang (13).
Brian, a year 9 pupil at Wakatipu High School and student at Turn Up the Music Charitable Trust and Music School, stood proudly in his uniform on the edge of the lake at dawn, and later beside the cenotaph in Arrowtown.
After both services, he was approached by many former and current New Zealand and Australian Defence Force personnel and members of the public, who congratulated and thanked him.
Brian began learning to play the bugle three years ago, after a suggestion from his mother while he searched for an instrument to pick up.
He said he usually practised two or three times a week, but for Last Post it was every day.
When asked if it was hard to play, he confidently said while it was for some people "for me, not really, because I practise a lot".
Brian’s mother was very proud of her son, who she said practised every day since being invited to play in March, especially through the school holidays.
"He’s good at it, so [I’m] not afraid or nervous."
Brian said he was keen to do it all again next year if he was asked and had already booked an Armistice Day performance after yesterday’s services.
"It’s a great honour, and it’s really fun."
