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 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 was the purpose of fife and drum bands in Colonial America?
“These military musicians played loud drums and shrill fifes (small wooden flutes) to communicate officers’ orders over long distances and to large groups of soldiers.” said Skic. “The specific tunes they played regulated daily life in military encampments and conveyed commands to troops in battle.”
When was the Fife used?
Fifes of conical bore have also been made since the 19th century. Antedating the orchestral transverse flute, the fife is first attested in Europe during the 12th century. From the time of the Crusades it has been played with cylindrical side drums as an infantry instrument, notably in Switzerland and Germany.
What does a fife do?
The fife first came into existence as early as the 15th century in Renaissance and medieval Europe, and was at the time used mostly for military marching and signaling purposes—often accompanying the snare drum—due to its portable size and ability to carry sound over great distances, even in the midst of battle.
Why do they stack drums on Remembrance?
Lacking any other altar, the regimental drums were put into service by stacking them in layers, which then served as a temporary altar. It was in the 1700’s that the first recorded use of the Drumhead for this purpose was documented. Like many things military, it soon became a tradition.
Why do they stack the drums on Remembrance Day?
The Drumhead Service originated in the 1700’s when soldiers about to go into battle required a place for reflection and remembrance of their fallen comrades in the face of difficult times ahead.
What was the drum originally used for?
Apes do the same thing by hitting their chests. However, the earliest discoveries of man-made drums, which are somewhat akin to what we would expect of a drum, were found in Neolithic China. These ancient drums were made of animal hides and wood or clay and were likely used in rituals or for shamanic purposes.
What were drums originally used for?
1000- 500 BC – Sri Lanka and African people used drums as a means of communication over large distances. 500 BC – Tako drums arrived in China from Japan. 200-150 BC – African drums were widespread in Greece and Rome.
What did Native Americans use drums for?
Regarded as a living entity, the drum is viewed simultaneously as a spiritual guardian and a musical instrument, a living tradition and a reference to a past way of life. The most important Native American instrument was, and still is, the drum, as one can tell by simply going to any powwow.
Where did fife and drum originate?
Switzerland
Fife and Drum music has very ancient roots. The fife has been played for centuries in Switzerland and Western Europe. Tradition holds that the fife and some of the music for it had its origins in the music of the Turkish Janissaries who invaded Europe in the Middle Ages and were the target of the crusades.
Why are fife and red coats drums?
We are wearing redcoats, because back in the Revolutionary War, musicians wore the opposite colored coat of the infantry that they supported.
Why is it called fife?
Fife’s existence as a distinct entity can be traced back to the Pictish Kingdom of Fib in the centuries after the departure of the Romans. It is for this reason that Fife is commonly referred to as “The Kingdom of Fife”, or simply “The Kingdom”.
What is another name for a fife?
What is another word for fife?
| whistle | tootle |
|---|---|
| skirl | sound |
| toot | trill |
| hoot | trumpet |
| honk | blare |
What is a fife and drum muster?
The heart of the Fife and Drum community is the “Ancient” Muster. At these events corps gather, conduct a parade and performance exhibition, and socialize. Here you will find detail on when and where these events are occurring.
Is a fife played like a flute?
All fifes are flutes, and most flutes are not fifes. In particular the fife has 6 or seven holes, plays the diatonic major scale, with other half notes cross-fingered or ‘half-holed, played by fingers directly on holes. Fifes are held to the right and blown transversely.
What does the drum symbolize?
Thus, in different cultures the drum is a sacred tool connecting heaven and earth, and for maintaining the rhythm of the world order. And when drummers practice their art, it’s as if they too are changing the world and touching the human spirit through the rhythm of the drum.
Why do churches put drummers behind glass?
Contain the acoustic energy from the drums
The strongest part of that sound is generally direct line-of-sight. Many churches have installed plexiglass drum shields around the drums for this purpose. It’s cost-effective and it’s a reasonably effective starting point.
Why do people put pillows in drums?
The bass drum will eventually sound dead and flat – not what you want. The trick is to put a small amount of muffling in there. Try placing one pillow or blanket resting on the bottom of the drum. This way you get bit more control of the air flow, as well as the resonance on the drum head without killing the sound.
When did the military stop using drummers?
1917
The US Army kept drummers and fifers with the infantry, until they were finally abolished in the field in 1917.
What does the drum signify in indigenous culture?
Drums are often given as gifts in thanks for good work or to acknowledge an important relationship or time in someone’s life. If you attend a workshop, consider that many First Nations cultures throughout British Columbia encourage learners to give away their first creation when new to a traditional craft.