A Sycamore resident plays the bugle to give back to the community.

Gene Vanden Bosch is a bugler for Bugles Across America, a non-profit organization that provides live performances of taps and the national anthem for veteran ceremonies and funerals. Vanden Bosch participated at NIU’s Veterans Day ceremony.

Vanden Bosch joined Bugles Across America shortly after its formation. He frequently performs at funerals and Memorial Day ceremonies.

“It’s just my way of paying back. It’s nice to be able to do that for groups or someone who has done the ultimate sacrifice,” Vanden Bosch said. “By law, they’re supposed to have an honor guard and a playing of taps.”

Vanden Bosch has performed in Washington, D.C., and at the USS Arizona and the USS Missouri memorials in Pearl Harbor.

“I’ve been honored to be able to play at some important places and meet some important people,” Vanden Bosch said.

Vanden Bosch grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. He attended North Park University, where he studied music education. He went on to get his master’s degree in music education from Northwestern University in 1972.

He was the band director at Central School District 301 in Burlington for 25 years. Vanden Bosch moved to Sycamore in 2006 after his retirement; he works for Batteries Plus there.

Vanden Bosch worked with Stage Coach Players during its production of Annie. He also plays in the DeKalb Municipal Band during the summer.

He co-conducts the Kishwaukee Concert Band. Vanden Bosch plays in the band Jazz in Progress. Vanden Bosch plays trombone and trumpet.

“I’m just having fun playing in bands, and I love living here in Sycamore,” Vanden Bosch said.