Colonial Williamsburg attracts tourists through many means. However, our Fife and Drum Corps remains by far the most iconic entertainment heard or seen by the guests. In our red coats, shrill fifes wailing and snare drums booming, we compel our listeners to fall in step behind us and inspire new generations with a love of history. But nobody knows the individual members making up the Corps. If you ask us, I think we prefer it that way. When I, personally, march down The Duke of Gloucester Street, my sole concern lies with playing my instrument –the 18th century field snare drum− to the best of my ability. My training at Fife and Drums stresses the characteristics of responsibility, excellence, and leadership; leaving thoughts of personal stardom in the gutter.
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We show up to train, we obey an order without question, we treat our peers with respect. Yes sirs and no sirs exit our lips, and nothing else. Instructors drill us on the importance of punctuality. Arriving late does not happen unless we already informed a staff member of the reason for the impending tardiness. While at the building, drummers always carry their drumsticks and fifers always carry their fifes. Members learn the assignments thoroughly. Perhaps most importantly, we learn a respect for the history of the Corps and the period of history we portray.
Quasi-military discipline levels often shock outside observers, but to us they merely facilitate excellence in our performances. Pride in playing an instrument for its own sake almost takes us over unawares. Knowing it came from our recruit year instructors makes it no less easy to explain. Regardless, the pride exists. Complex musical theory, syncopated rhythms, precise drill, and complicated tunes excite us. Challenges regularly pale in comparison to our frequent practice. Any idea of fun meshes with our ideal of
We show up to train, we obey an order without question, we treat our peers with respect. Yes sirs and no sirs exit our lips, and nothing else. Instructors drill us on the importance of punctuality. Arriving late does not happen unless we already informed a staff member of the reason for the impending tardiness. While at the building, drummers always carry their drumsticks and fifers always carry their fifes. Members learn the assignments thoroughly. Perhaps most importantly, we learn a respect for the history of the Corps and the period of history we portray.
Quasi-military discipline levels often shock outside observers, but to us they merely facilitate excellence in our performances. Pride in playing an instrument for its own sake almost takes us over unawares. Knowing it came from our recruit year instructors makes it no less easy to explain. Regardless, the pride exists. Complex musical theory, syncopated rhythms, precise drill, and complicated tunes excite us. Challenges regularly pale in comparison to our frequent practice. Any idea of fun meshes with our ideal of