…. and Called the Folks Together: A Manual on the Use of Fife and Drum in the American Continental Army

The duty of Fifes and drums in the armies of the American Revolution was far more important and extensive than merely playing parade music. The beginning and end of most facets of camp life and formations were communicated across the camps by “beats” and “signals,” played as needed or when ordered. “Wood Call” signaled the formation of forage parties to find and bring in wood for the fires. The rattle of “To Arms” sent the troops in a rush to take up their arms and form to go into action. On the march, fife and drums stationed along the column signaled the beginning and end of march, the pace, halts while the march was in progress and reforming once the march was to continue. In battle where verbal commands couldn’t be heard due to distance and the roar of gunfire, orders communicated by fife and drum were absolutely indispensable Despite being so tightly integrated into 18th century armies operations, the role of the “Regimental Music” is generally underutilized in present day reenactments. There are several reasons why this is so. Among reenactor officers, the firings, drill and evolution are emphasized but the use of music in camp, although well documented, is scarcely known. The situation is little better among the musicians themselves who are seldom called on to do more than play marches on parade or to beat the Assembly. Rare is the reenactor camp that has a “duty drummer” posted. This manual was put together in hopes that, being made aware of the many uses of the fifes and drums beyond parade music, reenactor units would appreciate the many benefits that would accrue to their efficiency and authenticity by utilizing field music as it was intended by their 18th century forebears.