News Summary
The annual Drummer’s Call weekend in Colonial Williamsburg showcased the rich traditions of American military music with a gathering of numerous fife and drum units. Over a hundred musicians honored historical musical art forms from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War. The event featured performances, a torchlit march, and an evening concert, all aimed at engaging the community and fostering appreciation for this vital aspect of American heritage, especially among local youth.
Williamsburg – The annual Drummer’s Call weekend took place in Colonial Williamsburg on May 16-17, 2025, showcasing a rich tapestry of music and tradition stemming from America’s military history. This year’s event featured the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums alongside seven visiting fife and drum units, bringing together more than a hundred musicians to honor the art of military music.
Among the participating groups were the 1st Michigan Colonial Fife and Drum Corps, Civil War Field Music 1st Pennsylvania PRVC, Field Musick of the American Revolution, Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums Alumni, Fifes and Drums of York Town, Guilford Courthouse Fifes and Drum Corps, and Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes and Drums. The diverse performances celebrated music from several key periods in American history, including the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War.
A highlight of the event was the torchlit march held on the evening of May 17. Participants performed 18th-century field music during the procession along Duke of Gloucester Street, which stretched from the Palace Green to the Capitol, allowing both locals and visitors a glimpse into the musical traditions of the past.
Evening Concert and Grand March
An evening concert titled “Successful Campaign” was scheduled for May 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Charlton Stage. This concert showcased 18th-century military field music performed by the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Senior Corps and the Middlesex County Volunteers. The event was free and open to the public, making it accessible for everyone interested in experiencing the musical heritage of the nation.
The festivities also included a Grand March and Review on May 17, where musicians gathered to perform behind the Courthouse. The Grand March culminated in the Williamsburg Military Tattoo, providing an atmospheric conclusion to the weekend’s events. This celebration of military music aims to foster appreciation for the nation’s military and musical heritage.
Youth Engagement and Future Opportunities
The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums is made up of local youth aged 10 to 18, showcasing the involvement of younger generations in preserving historical traditions. Applications for the fall 2025 recruit class are currently open to local students, particularly those in the fourth grade. This initiative encourages youth participation in the performing arts and military heritage within their community.
Enrollment in the recruit class is limited to students from James City County, York County, and the City of Williamsburg. Interested applicants should submit their applications by the deadline of May 31, 2025, to secure their chance to join this esteemed group of young musicians dedicated to continuing the tradition of fife and drum music.
A Historical Tradition
The Drummer’s Call weekend has established itself as an annual event that celebrates the traditions and values associated with military music in America. Through performances and community engagement, it reinforces historical knowledge and respect for the sacrifices made by military personnel throughout the country’s history. With activities that appeal to citizens of all ages, the event continues to connect modern audiences with the rich tapestry of American military and musical heritage.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Drummer’s Call Returns
- Wikipedia: Colonial Williamsburg
- Williamsburg Families: Drummer’s Call
- Google Search: Colonial Williamsburg Drummers Call
- Daily Press: Annual Drummer’s Call
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drummer’s Call
- WYDaily: Marching Through History
- Google News: Fife and Drum Corps
