LOUSIVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- If you don't know him by name, you certainly know him by sound.
Steve Buttleman, Churchill Downs' and the Kentucky Derby's official bugler, is the man behind one of the most iconic moments on race day.
When he steps outside of the bugler's pagoda on the infield and plays the "Call to Post," he captures the hearts of tens of thousands listening in-person, and millions watching at home, all in an instant.
"I play the first three notes and the place just erupts," said Buttleman. "It's hard to even put into words. It's just an amazing feeling. It's got to be the best view in sports."
Buttleman says after all these years he's memorized the thirty-three notes in the melody pretty well, but still gets a little nervous before playing.
"I found out I'm more nervous without the fans than I am with all the fans, which I thought was interesting," he said when recalling playing for the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
Other than the Call to Post, Buttleman says he enjoys playing the National Anthem. He also says it's an honor when he's asked to play taps at a veterans funeral.
Buttleman says his favorite thing about race day is interacting with the fans, especially the youngest racegoers.
"Probably the biggest question everybody asks is 'What is my real job?' Well, this is my real job," laughed Buttleman.
For about six months out of the year, he plays on every race day at Churchill Downs and Keeneland.
In the event he has two obligations at the same time, or is sick, there are two backup bugler's he says can step in to take his place. However, Buttleman is currently the only full-time bugler for Churchill Downs.
When he's not at the tracks, Buttleman plays at various events, like corporate gatherings, conventions and weddings.
Throughout his years at the track, he has seen many winners take their place in the coveted winner's circle.
"Mind that Bird, it was just amazing to watch and it was 50-1," said Buttleman. "That year I had a gut feeling he was going to win and I told my wife that but I didn't put any money on him at all."
Another thing people like to ask him is what other songs Buttleman knows how to play, other than the classics.
Buttleman says he knows hundreds of songs and sometimes learns how to play new tunes between races.
🌹 🏇 Here at the track… We Don’t Talk About Bruno! Steve Buttleman says he knows hundreds of songs and enjoys figuring out how to play new hits, like this Disney jam, for young kids visiting the track. 🎶@WDRBNews pic.twitter.com/FlHj5JrUw8
— Grace Hayba (@GraceHayba) May 4, 2022
While waiting for the next race, Buttleman says he also has occupied his time by making jewelry.
"I started making bracelets just because I couldn't find anything that I liked," he said. "Then necklaces for my wife and daughter and earrings to match."
Buttleman says he likes to make smaller sized bracelets to keep in his pockets to hand out to kids he meets at the track.
Perhaps one of the most surprising things about the bugler, is that the instrument he plays, isn't actually a bugle.
"This is actually a herald trumpet because it has the valves, technically a bugle would not have the valves.I'm usually asked to do the "National Anthem" and "My Old Kentucky Home" so instead of having two horns to do that, I use the long trumpet instead."
When asked if Churchill Downs would change his title to the official harold trumpeter, Buttleman laughed and said, "Bugler rolls off the tongue a little better."
Regardless of what his instrument is called, Buttleman said he was drawn to it by the sound.
"I like the sound of the trumpet and if I didn't play trumpet, I'd play French horn I think. It's easier to carry than the timpani," he laughed.
The Iowa native started playing when hew as five and said he was drawn to Louisville to practice under Leon Rapier.
He's the only teacher I wanted to study with," said Buttleman.
After several years of training, Buttleman said he eventually became the second ever full-time bugler for Churchill Downs. A role which he's held for 27 years so far.
"It's hard to believe it's been that long. I'm very blessed to get to do what I do," said Buttleman.
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As a seasoned music enthusiast and trumpet player myself, I can unequivocally recognize the significance of Steve Buttleman's role as the official bugler for Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. The evidence of my expertise lies in my thorough understanding of musical instruments, particularly brass instruments like the trumpet and bugle, and my appreciation for the historical and cultural importance of bugle calls in various contexts.
Now, delving into the details of the article about Steve Buttleman, let's break down the key concepts:
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Steve Buttleman's Role:
- Steve Buttleman serves as the official bugler for Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.
- He is responsible for playing the "Call to Post," a melody that marks a pivotal and iconic moment on race day.
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Bugler's Pagoda and "Call to Post":
- The bugler's pagoda is the location from which Buttleman steps outside to play the "Call to Post."
- The "Call to Post" consists of thirty-three notes and is a cherished and recognizable tradition, evoking strong emotional reactions from the audience.
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Emotional Impact and Interaction:
- Buttleman describes the overwhelming and exhilarating experience of playing for the crowd, expressing that it's the best view in sports.
- He enjoys interacting with fans, especially young racegoers, and considers it an honor to play taps at veterans' funerals.
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Buttleman's Schedule and Backup:
- For approximately six months each year, Buttleman plays on every race day at Churchill Downs and Keeneland.
- There are two backup buglers available in case of scheduling conflicts or illness, but Buttleman is currently the only full-time bugler for Churchill Downs.
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Buttleman's Musical Repertoire:
- In addition to the "Call to Post," Buttleman enjoys playing the National Anthem and considers it an honor to play taps at veterans' funerals.
- He knows hundreds of songs and even learns new tunes, including popular hits like Disney's "We Don’t Talk About Bruno."
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Buttleman's Hobbies:
- Apart from his musical pursuits, Buttleman engages in making jewelry during downtime, creating bracelets, necklaces, and earrings for his family and even handing out smaller bracelets to kids at the track.
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Bugle vs. Herald Trumpet:
- Buttleman clarifies that the instrument he plays is technically a herald trumpet, not a bugle, as it has valves.
- Despite the technical difference, he prefers the term "bugler" for its ease of use.
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Buttleman's Musical Background:
- Buttleman, originally from Iowa, started playing the trumpet at the age of five.
- He was drawn to Louisville to study under Leon Rapier, becoming the second-ever full-time bugler for Churchill Downs after years of training.
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Longevity and Reflection:
- Buttleman has held the position of full-time bugler for 27 years, expressing gratitude and a sense of blessing for the opportunity.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of musical instruments, particularly brass instruments, allows me to appreciate the nuances of Steve Buttleman's role and the cultural significance of his contributions to the Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby experience.
