Join the Fife & Drum Corps

During the Revolutionary War, it was common for each company of men to include two boys between the ages of 10 and 18 who wore colors in the reverse of the soldiers, and whose duties were to play the fife and the drum.

Whether in camp, on the march, or in battle, these boys played a vital role in the military.

In battle, for example, absent the ability to communicate that modern technology has provided, fifes and drums were used to relay commands over long distances, bringing a necessary cohesion to any battle plan.

It is believed that the practice of utilizing the high pitch of the fife and the low pitch of the drum to communicate on the battlefield began with the Swiss army as far back as the 1300s. The military musicians played a crucial role in every American war through the end of the 19th century, and the roles of several musicians in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars have been well-documented.

Fort Delaware has never had a fife and drum corps, at least not that anyone can recall, but that is about to change. The Delaware Company’s Executive Director, Debra Conway is hoping to form a fife & drum corps in time to help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War beginning in 2025. If you are interested in participating, contact us via email by clicking here.