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News - 2007 Fife and Drum Muster at Fort George

August 18th through 20th the Loyalist Fifes and Drums attended the Fife and Drum Muster at Fort George (Niagara-on-the-Lake). Still the ‘newbie’ group, this was our second year attending the Muster and we’ve come far since then. With a turn-out of nine members (larger than last year’s), this was the event of the summer everyone had been looking forward to. Playing on brand-new Cooperman drums (which our Fife Major was very happy to see finally arrive) with an expanded repertoire, we both sounded and looked fantastic.

Since our formation in the fall of 2005, we have constantly improved and impressed. The hours of practice become especially evident as both fifers and drummers prove their ability and independence playing new songs with confidence. The fifers worked especially hard to learn and be able to perform their very own solo, forcing the drummers to listen while their new drums sat quietly.

Everyone progressed closer towards the completion of their sword tests—eight pieces memorized and played accurately earn a sword, the drum crops equivalent of a shiny gold sticker next to your name on the class list. Congratulations to the members who earned their swords this past weekend. Earning swords means admittance to corps polishing parties. Sadly, not all shiny gold stars next to your name are low-maintenance.

The weekend included long parades, multiple massed performances and numerous demonstrations for the public in addition to ample practice time. The days were long and very satisfying, in spite of the hot wool uniforms and sore muscles. Everyone was sure to keep well sun-screened and well hydrated. New canteens helped with the latter, particularly while on parade. It seems we have gained wisdom as well as experience in the past year.

The muster provided an excellent opportunity to see and hear other corps perform. Massed music sessions meant the fifes and drums were able to challenge themselves performing next to more experienced players, as well as other learning musicians in a large group. This year presented another chance to mingle and meet other fifers and drummers. Old faces made reappearances and while some have moved on, there were plenty more to meet and make new friends with in the evenings.

This year’s muster proved once again to be as exciting and gratifying as everyone could have hoped. With another year to learn, practice and polish up (literally and figuratively, for those who have newly earned swords), it can only get better.