What was the purpose of a fife and drum corps?
The music in General Washington's continental army consisted of fife and drum corps. What was the music's purpose? During the Revolution, the army used fifes and drums not only to boost morale but also for communication and regimentation.
What are bands of fifes and drums called?
A Fife and Drum Corps is a musical ensemble consisting of fifes and drums. In the United States of America, fife and drum corps specializing in colonial period impressions using fifes, rope tension snare drums, and (sometimes) rope tension bass drums are known as Ancient Fife and Drum Corps.
What instruments are in a fife and drum corps?
INSTUMENTATION - There are three musical instruments used in the corps: the fife, the snare drum and the bass drum.
What characteristics made the fife & drum ideal for communication during battle?
Fifes and drums played from sunrise to sunset and served as a primary mode of communication from commander to troops during battles. The high-pitched sound of the fife made it the perfect instrument to be paired with the drum, as it could be heard over the noise of combat.
What is a fife players drum called?
The type of drum used in the classical fife and drum corps is called a rope tension snare drum. There can also be limited use of a bass drum in the modern units; however, this drum is typically used only in shows where the drummers remain stationary.
What is a fife player?
The fife originated in medieval Europe and is often used in Fife and Drum Corps, military units, and marching bands. Someone who plays the fife is called a fifer. The word fife comes from the German Pfeife, meaning pipe, which comes from the Latin word pipare. Fife.
Is it hard to play the fife?
Fife is much more difficult to play than the regular wooden flute - it takes a very strong embouchure. Your lips need to be tight - try putting a piece of dry rice between your lips and blow until it pops out (I'm serious)… this will give you an idea how small the hole in your lips needs to be.
How much does a fife cost?
The distance between the centers of the blow hole and the last finger hole should be about 10-7/8 inches. Otherwise, you will have a fife for displaying rather than playing. New wood fifes of any quality will cost at least $100, and can run much higher than that.
Are piccolo and fife the same?
The fife, most accurately described, is any cylindrically bored transverse flute, usually in one piece (but sometimes two), usually somewhat longer than the piccolo and having only six fingerholes with no keys.
Do soldiers listen to music in combat?
As was the case with many of us, music was a constant on Kurtzhals' deployment, and now, years later, it's a reminder of his time in the military and of those he served with. “They weren't just songs that people listened to on their way home from work, like this is what kept people going,” he says.
What are military musicians called?
A military band is a group of personnel that performs musical duties for military functions, usually for the armed forces. A typical military band consists mostly of wind and percussion instruments. The conductor of a band commonly bears the title of Bandmaster or Director of Music.
How do you play a fife?
1:5613:07How to Play Oh When the Saints on the Fife - Live Tutorial - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause or sore fingers because you do the noise you just have to practice until it hurts it's true.MoreBecause or sore fingers because you do the noise you just have to practice until it hurts it's true. So you sort of press your lip against this bit.
Welcome to the Fifes and Drums of York Town
We are an enthusiastic group of students, parents, instructors and supporters. Our group brings history alive for old York Town, and teaches music, history and leadership to our youth.
Join Us!
We want you if you are between the ages of 10 and 18. We are all volunteer students and parents, and welcome newcomers. No experience is necessary. Find more information using the "Join" button in the menu above, or contact [email protected]
Come See Us!
Most Corps performances are free and open to the public. We have nearly 100 performances at locations across the eastern seaboard. Both Junior and Senior members can be seen and heard weekly during the Spring, Summer and Fall in historic York Town. See this year's schedule below.
Hire Us!
The Corps is also for hire and available for corporate and private events. To find out more details please email: [email protected] . We are located at P.O. Box 66, 202 Church Street, Yorktown, Virginia 23690 map:
