Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps

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The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is one of four

Perhaps the most distinctive signature of the musicians of this unit is the troop step, reminiscent of the ceremonial steps of the Household Regiments of the British Army. While playing their instruments, the musicians march forward at a slow, ceremonial pace, while pointing their toes, toe touching the ground first.^[1] 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. ^[2]

Drum Major

The drum major of the unit is distinguished from the other musicians by his headgear, the light-infantry Cap. In contrast to modern Army bands, and as an indication of prominence, he carries an espontoon instead of the standard mace. The espontoon is an 18th-century weapon carried by officers. However, it is used by the drum major to issue silent commands to the Corps.

Performances

As an official representative of the U.S. Army, the Corps averages over 500 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

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 flutes is alive.^[3] In 2023, the Corps introduced a new set of drums manufactured by Loyal Drums in Woodbridge, VA. The fifes were built in Switzerland by Skip Healy of the Healy Flute Company, a professional musician and U.S. ex-pat.^[4]

Gallery

• 
  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.
• 
  Members of The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps parade on the

  State Arrival Ceremony for Pope Benedict XVI

  on April 16, 2008.
• 
  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 upcoming inaugural parade.
• 
  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.
• 
  A member of the drum corps with a fife.

See also

• Corps of Drums
• U.S. Army Herald Trumpets
• Commander-in-Chief's Guard (3rd Infantry Regiment)

References

• 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

• Official website