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About Us - What is a Fife & Drum Corps?

During the American Revolution music played an important roll in operation of the army. In fact, without music, the army could not properly function.

Today, the modern military uses radios, satellites, and computers to transmit orders. However, in the age of flintlock muskets and scarlet uniforms, music was used to communicate with the army. From sunrise to sunset, the fifes and drums played signals, which told the army what to do. Reveille was played at daybreak to tell the soldiers to wake up. Dinner Call told them when it was time to eat. The Troop told them when the fall in for parade, and the Retreat told them when their working day was over.

Fifes and Drums were also used to provide music on the march and for ceremonies. We know that they often played the popular tunes of the day. In fact, it was not uncommon to use a fife and drum for dances at the local tavern.

Generally, the British army allocated two fifers and drummers for every 50-100 soldiers. A regiment was a group of soldiers that travelled together, and totalled around 1000 men. An average regiment had around 20 fifers and drummers. This group was known collectively as "The Drums" and was led by the Drum Major and Fife Major.