March On with The Fife and Drum Corps

Ah, the Colonial Williamsburg's very own Fife and Drum Corps! One can expect to see and hear them march down Duke of Gloucester Street at least once or twice a day. Whether they are leading you to a certain place where an event will take place, or just marching to mark the day's end, you will certainly enjoy listening to the music of the Fife and Drum Corps.

The Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps has members as young as 10 years old (age when they usually begin) through around 18 years old. They play traditional military music of the 18th century in Colonial Williamsburg. The Fife and Drum Corps has also appeared during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2008, and even a performance in Europe!

The Fife and Drum Corps is split into two groups: the Junior and Senior Corps. The Junior Corps portrays the militia musicians from around 1775, and the Senior Corps portrays the state garrison regiment that started in 1778. The uniforms that the Senior Corps wears are the reverse color of the continental soldier. They are red (no they aren't British!) so that it is easy to distinguish the difference between a soldier and the noncombatant musician on the battlefield.

The Fife and Drum Corps was used during the Revolutionary War as a method of communication with the soldiers. A certain piece of music meant something such as when to fire to when to get up in the morning.

The Fife and Drum Corps at Colonial Williamsburg plays in Revolutionary City, marching up and down the street, and during special events as well. They have extreme precision during their marches, as well as amazing talent. And whenever they come out to go on one of their marches, you will know. I remember the first time I saw the Fife and Drum Corps, everyone (including me) came rushing out of the buildings and out onto the street with their cameras at the ready. Once the Fife and Drum Corps passed them, everyone would march right with them and follow them to wherever their destination was. And that just doesn't happen once. That happens EVERY time! 



Visitors following the Fife and Drum Corps to the Courthouse Backyard



Something that is really special to see is the Drummer's Call that Colonial Williamsburg has every year in May. They host a major Fife and Drum Corps production of military music to celebrate Armed Forces Day. Fife and Drum Corps from all over the United States and Canada come to perform a weekend long celebration.

If you really enjoy listening to the Fife and Drum Corps, you can even purchase CD's! I have one titled "The World Turned Upside Down" and I love listening to it! There isn't a better cure for Colonial Williamsburg Deprivation than to listen to the Fife and Drum Corps.

The Fife and Drum Corps is a big part of Colonial Williamsburg. You will see performances from them many times during your visit. The music they play will get stuck in your head, and you will find yourself humming or whistling a tune from the Fife and Drum Corps at least once during your stay at Colonial Williamsburg. The Fife and Drum Corps represents an important piece of our history, and it is captured right in Williamsburg.

And trust me, you will find yourself marching right along with the Fife and Drum Corps.