Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Military band of the U.S. Army}}

[[Image:Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps performs at a celebration commemorating the 225th anniversary of the American victory at Yorktown, Va., during the Revolutionary War]]

{{More citations needed|date=January 2021}}

The '''Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps''' is the only unit of its kind in the armed forces, and is part of the [[3rd United States Infantry Regiment (TOG)|3rd U.S. Infantry]] (The Old Guard of the Army). The Fife and Drum Corps has been stationed at [[Fort Myer, Virginia]] since its founding in the early 1960's. Because the unit has a protected [[Military Occupational Specialty]] ("MOS") (or in civilian terms, a job designation), The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps has members who have spent their entire military careers at the unit, which is an unusual occurrence for The [[U.S. Army]] and for U.S. Army musicians.

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}

{{Infobox military unit

==Musicians==

| unit_name = The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps

| image = The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps Official Unit Crest.png

| image_size = 250px

| caption = Official unit crest

| dates = 23 February 1960{{spaced ndash}}present

| country = {{Flag|United States of America|size=23px}}

| allegiance =

| branch = {{Army|United States|size=23px}}

| type =

| role = [[List of United States military premier ensembles|Special Band]]

| size =

| command_structure = [[3rd Infantry Regiment (United States)|3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)]]

| commander1 = [[Warrant officer (United States)#Army|CW3]] Benjamin (Mac) McMillan

| commander1_label = Commander

| commander2 = [[Command Sergeant Major|CSM]] Lutricia Fields

| commander2_label = Corps Sergeant Major

| commander3 = [[Sergeant Major|SGM]] Ross Pavolko

| commander3_label = Operations Sergeant Major

| commander4 = [[First sergeant#United States Army|1SG]] Jeb Hague

| commander4_label = Corps First Sergeant

| garrison = [[Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall]]

| website = https://fifeanddrum.army.mil/

| patron =

| motto =

| colors =

| mascot =

| battles =

}}

[[Image:Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.jpg|thumb|right|300px280px|The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps performs at a celebration commemorating the 225th anniversary of the American victory at the [[Siege of Yorktown, Va.]], during the [[American Revolutionary War]].]]

The musicians of this unit recall the days of the [[American Revolution]] as they parade in uniforms patterned after those worn by the musicians of the [[Continental Army]]. Military musicians of the period generally (but not always) wore the reverse colors of the regiments to which they were assigned. The uniforms worn by the members of the Corps are dated circa 1781, and consist of black [[tricorn]] hats, white wigs, waistcoats, colonial coveralls, and red (rather than blue) regimental coats.

[[File:Arrival Ceremony - The Official State Visit of France (39892885560).jpg|thumb|right|280px]]

The '''United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps''' is one of four [[Premier ensemble|premier musical organizations]] of the [[United States Army]]. Members perform using musical instruments and wearing uniforms similar to those used by military musicians of the [[Continental Army]] during the [[American Revolution]].

It is the only unit of its kind in the [[United States]]' armed forces, and is part of the [[3rd United States Infantry Regiment (TOG)|3rd U.S. Infantry]] ("The Old Guard"). The Fife and Drum Corps has been stationed at [[Fort Myer, Virginia]], since its founding on February 23, 1960.

The 69-member Corps uses 10-hole [[fife (musical instrument)|fife]]s, handmade rope-tensioned [[drums]] and single-valve [[bugle]]s. While traveling, the marching strength of the unit is normally 22 musicians, and the drum major and support personnel.

In 2022, February 18 was named “The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps Day” in Spanish Fort, Alabama.

===Drum major===

==Musicians==

The drum major of the unit is distinguished from the other musicians of the unit by two items: his headgear, the light-infantry Cap (rather than tricorn hat), and by his [[Spontoon|espontoon]] (which looks to be a [[spear]]) rather than the large heavy mace carried my most military drum majors. The espontoon is an 18th century weapon (and badge of office) that was carried by officers during the 18th century; today it is used by the drum major of The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps to issue silent commands to the unit while they are performing.

[[Image:StateWelcomeCeremony.jpg|thumb|right|225px|The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps perform during a [[State Arrival Ceremony]] held on the [[South Lawn]] of the [[White House]].]]

The musicians of this unit recall the [[Corps of Drums|fifes and drums]] from the days of the [[American Revolution]] as they paradeperform in uniforms patterned after those worn by the musicians of theGen. [[George Washington]]'s [[Continental Army]]. Military musicians of the period generally (but not always) wore the reverse colors of the regiments to which they were assigned. The uniforms worn by the members of the Corps are dated circa 1781, and consist of black [[tricorn]] hats, white wigs, waistcoats, colonial coveralls, and red[[Red coat (rathermilitary than blueuniform)#United States|red regimental coats]]. The 69-member Corps uses 10-hole fifes, handmade rope-tensioned drums and two-valve bugles, which bring to life the exciting sounds of the Continental Army.

===The Troop Step===

Perhaps the most distinctive signature of the musicians of this unit is the ''troop step'', reminiscent of the ceremonial steps of the [[Household Cavalry|Household Regiments]] of the [[British Army]]. While playing their instruments, the musicians march forward at a slow, ceremonial pace (''pass in review''), while pointing their toes, toe touching the ground first.<ref>{{Citation |title=A day in the Life of the Old Guard, the Army's oldest unit Full HD Version |url=https://youtube.com/DQ3NZF2Cqoc?t=1693 |access-date=2024-03-20 |language=en}}</ref> After these troop steps, typically, the Fife and Drum Corps changes back to normal pace, stepping off at normal step, playing ''[[Yankee Doodle]]'', to the applause of the crowds.<ref>{{Citation |title=The Old Guard performs for The Old Guard Association's 2012 Reunion | date=10 January 2013 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlIySEOMhyU |access-date=2024-03-20 |language=en}}</ref>

===Drum majorMajor===

The drum major of the unit is distinguished from the other musicians of the unit by two items: his headgear, the light-infantry Cap. (ratherIn thancontrast tricornto hat)modern Army bands, and byas hisan [[Spontoon|espontoon]]indication (whichof looksprominence, tohe becarries aan [[spearSpontoon|espontoon]]) ratherinstead thanof the large heavystandard mace carried my most military drum majors. The espontoon is an 18th -century weapon (and badge of office) that was carried by officers. during the 18th century; todayHowever, it is used by the drum major of The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps to issue silent commands to the unit while they are performingCorps.

==Performances==

[[File:58th Presidential Inauguration 170120-A-CR195-0119.jpg|thumb|The Corps at the 58th Presidential Inauguration.]]

As an official representative of the [[U.S. Army]], the Corps averages nearlyover 2,000500 performances annually. The Corps has entertained millions of people in major parades, pageants and historical celebrations throughout the [[United States]]; and has served America as a goodwill ambassador as far away as [[Europe]], [[Australia]] and [[Canada]]. Major sporting events the Corps has performed at include [[NCAA]] [[bowl gamesgame]]s, [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] games, [[National Football League|NFL]] games (including [[Super Bowl]]s), the [[Kentucky Derby]], the [[Indianapolis 500]], and the 1980 [[Winter Olympics]] in [[Lake Placid, NY.New York]].

In support of the [[President of the United States]], the Corps performs at armed- forces [[State Arrival Ceremony|arrival ceremonies]] for visiting dignitaries and heads of state at the [[White House]], and has participated in every Presidentialpresidential Inauguralinaugural Paradeparade since President [[John F. Kennedy]]'s in [[Inauguration of John F. Kennedy|1961]]. (asThe wellCorps asalso hisperformed funeral)at the [[Funeral of John F. Kennedy|funeral of Kennedy]]. Today both men and women are members of the unit.

They have also performed at the [[Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo]].<ref name="v134">{{cite web | title=Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Marks 75 Years with British Army Leading the Spectacle | website=Conservative Post | date=2025-08-10 | url=https://conservativepost.co.uk/royal-edinburgh-military-tattoo-marks-75-years-with-british-army-leading-the-spectacle/ | access-date=2025-08-16}}</ref>

==Instruments==

The Corps personnel play fifes, bugles, snare drums, and bass drums. Obtaining the instruments posed a challenge, as only a few manufacturers produce historical instruments. In 2012, a batch of 20 drums were produced in [[Basel]], [[Switzerland]], home to the [[Carnival of Basel]], where a long tradition of marching drums and [[Piccolo|piccolo flutes]] is alive.<ref>"Swiss drums for Obama:

Basel firm makes drums for US state ceremonies." Video report on manufacturing the drums by [[swissinfo]] (in English) http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/multimedia/basel-firm-makes-drums-for-us-state-ceremonies/32714698</ref> In 2023, the Corps introduced a new set of drums manufactured by Loyal Drums in Fredericksburg, VA. The fifes were built in Switzerland by Skip Healy of the Healy Flute Company, a professional musician and U.S. ex-pat.<ref>"Traditionelle Instrumente: Donald Trump hört bei Amtseinsetzung Freiämter Flöten", [[Schweizer Fernsehen]] (in German) https://www.srf.ch/news/regional/aargau-solothurn/donald-trump-hoert-bei-amtseinsetzung-freiaemter-floeten</ref>

==Gallery==

<gallery>

File:Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps at Fort Myer 2008-04-23.jpg|The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps thrill an audience with their musical skills while on parade in 2008. The unit recalls the [[American Revolutionary]] era by dressing in colonial uniform and tricorn hats.

File:U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps at the welcoming for Pope Benedict XVI.jpg|Members of The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps parade on the [[South Lawn]] of the [[White House]] during a [[State Arrival Ceremony]] for [[Pope Benedict XVI]] on April 16, 2008.

File:Flickr - The U.S. Army - www.Army.mil (52).jpg|United States Army Staff Sgt. Brian L. Barnhart, a snare drummer with the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, trails the ensemble down Sheridan Avenue on [[Fort Myer]] during a January 9, 2009 rehearsal for then President-elect [[Barack Obama]]'s [[First inauguration of Barack Obama|upcoming inaugural parade]].

File:US Navy 090120-N-9954T-132 The Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps march down Pennsylvania Avenue during the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade.jpg|The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps seen marching down [[Pennsylvania Avenue]] during the presidential inaugural parade held on January 20, 2009.

File:Defense.gov photo essay 110630-F-RG147-559.jpg|A member of the drum corps with a fife.

</gallery>

==See also==

* [[Corps of Drums]]

* [[U.S. Army Herald Trumpets]]

* [[Commander-in-Chief's Guard (3rd Infantry Regiment)]]

==References==

As an official representative of the [[U.S. Army]], the Corps averages nearly 2,000 performances annually. The Corps has entertained millions of people in major parades, pageants and historical celebrations throughout the [[United States]]; and has served America as a goodwill ambassador as far away as [[Europe]], [[Australia]] and [[Canada]]. Major sporting events the Corps has performed at include [[NCAA]] bowl games, [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] games, [[National Football League|NFL]] games (including [[Super Bowl]]s), the [[Kentucky Derby]], the [[Indianapolis 500]], and the 1980 [[Winter Olympics]] in Lake Placid NY.

{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==

In support of the [[President of the United States]], the Corps performs at armed-forces arrival ceremonies for visiting dignitaries and heads of state at the [[White House]], and has participated in every Presidential Inaugural Parade since President [[John F. Kennedy]]'s in 1961 (as well as his funeral). Today both men and women are members of the unit.

* Abbott James A., and Elaine M. Rice. ''Designing Camelot: The Kennedy White House Restoration.'' Van Nostrand Reinhold: 1998. {{ISBN|0-442-02532-7}}.

* Clinton, Hillary Rodham. ''An Invitation to the White House: At Home with History.'' Simon & Schuster: 2000. {{ISBN|0-684-85799-5}}.

* Garrett, Wendell. ''Our Changing White House.'' Northeastern University Press: 1995. {{ISBN|1-55553-222-5}}.

== External links ==

{{unreferenced|date=November 2006}}

* {{official website}}

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