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Colonial Williamsburg Hosts Free Drummer’s Call Event

Attendees enjoy the Drummer’s Call event in Colonial Williamsburg, showcasing vibrant military music.

News Summary

Join Colonial Williamsburg for a free Drummer’s Call event on May 16-17, celebrating military music heritage. Enjoy performances, a Grand March, and more! Bring your lawn chairs for a vibrantly historical experience.

Williamsburg, Virginia – Colonial Williamsburg will host a free Drummer’s Call event on the weekend of May 16-17, celebrating the nation’s rich military music heritage. Organized by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, this event is open to the public and promises to be a vibrant showcase of period-accurate performances and uniforms.

The festivities will kick off on Friday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m. with a concert titled “Successful Campaign,” featuring performances by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums Senior Corps and the Middlesex County Volunteers. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the show comfortably.

On Saturday, May 17, the event continues with a Grand March and Review starting at 12:30 p.m. on Duke of Gloucester Street. This march will proceed from the Capitol to Market Square, where performances will take place behind the Courthouse until 2:30 p.m. Eight military music groups from across the United States will participate in this event, emphasizing the evolution of military music from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War.

Participating units include the 1st Michigan Colonial Fife and Drum Corps, Civil War Field Music, 1st Pennsylvania PRVC, Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums Alumni, Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums Field Musick of the American Revolution, Fifes and Drums of York Town, Guilford Courthouse Fifes & Drum Corps, and Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums. Each of these groups will don period-accurate uniforms and utilize traditional instruments, ensuring an authentic experience for all attendees.

To conclude the event on Saturday night, the Williamsburg Military Tattoo is scheduled for 8:30 p.m., featuring a torch-lit march down Duke of Gloucester Street, where the energy of military tradition will be palpable.

The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums, founded in 1958, plays a significant role in keeping this tradition alive. Composed of local youth aged 10-18, the corps maintains the historical connection to military music. Interested young musicians can apply for the fall 2024 recruit class, with applications due by May 31. This program is designed for children entering the 4th grade within the local area.

Historically, fife and drum corps were essential on the battlefield, serving as the original communication system long before the advent of modern technology. The sound of fifes and drums was vital for conveying commands and regulating soldiers’ daily activities. Events like the Drummer’s Call not only honor this tradition but also foster community spirit and cultural heritage in Williamsburg.

This annual event provides an opportunity for families and individuals of all ages to engage with the living history that defines Colonial Williamsburg. The combination of music, military history, and community involvement promises to create an enriching experience for all who attend.