Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
Begun in 1960, this company shows the vital part that field music played in the history of the Army. Through much of its history, each infantry company was authorized two or more field musicians. These fifes and drums relayed commands in combat, set the pace of a march and the routine of a day, and could be grouped for ceremonial occasions as seen here. Bugles supplanted fifes and drums after the American Civil War.
Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
Drum Number One, 1960
When the Corps was activated as part of Company H in 1960, Buck Soistman made a set of twenty-two traditional wooden rope-tension drums for it. The drums were in regular use until they were retired to the Old Guard Museum in 1989. Each drum is hand painted with the arms of the regiment and battle honors.
1791 Drummer
Few artifacts exist to tell the story of the early history of the Army. This is particularly true of enlisted clothing and equipment, which was purchased by the government and issued to the soldier. A series of life-like mannequins tell the story of soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry, including this young drummer in the Miami Towns in 1791.
Click below to download selections
performed by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps:
1. Panda Bear
2. Drowsy Maggie
3. The Boys of Bluehill
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