The haunting strains of 'The Last Post' played on Kaela Trewick's bugle has the power to move grown men and women to tears.

Kaela, 12, has performed the bugle call at ANZAC Day services across the Douglas Shire for the last four years.

This year the talented musician played at the Mossman dawn service and Port Douglas memorial before performing for elderly servicemen at an OzCare nursing home.

Kaela's mum, Joanne, says her daughter was 'terrified' the first time she played at an ANZAC Day service but conquered her nerves, even performing at funerals for former soldiers in the district.

"We're really proud and we value her courage because it is a hard thing to do," she says.

"There's a lot riding on it if something goes wrong."

Playing the bugle is more challenging than the trumpet Joanne says meaning few musicians ever play 'The Last Post' as it's intended to be heard.

"It all rests on the lips. Every note has to be perfect and you can't be even a tiny bit wrong so it takes a lot of practice," she says.

"People are usually amazed to find out it's a little girl playing. People always come up and congratulate her on a job well done.

"The servicemen, in particular, appreciate that it's on a bugle." 

Last Wednesday, Kaela soldiered through some 'wobbly' notes at an ANZAC service at Mossman State High School. 

"The fact that it wasn't 100 per cent perfect was beside the point," Joanne says. 

"A lot of people said they could feel the emotion in the music." 

For ANZAC Day the Mossman performer wore medals from three generations of friends and family members who have served in conflicts dating back to World War I.