“Beat! beat! drums!—blow! bugles! blow!”: Learning Drum, Fife, and Military Life at Fort McHenry NMHS
Staff members, volunteers, and students of the 2018 Fort McHenry Fife and Drum Camp
NPS photo
From June 19—24th the sounds of fife and drum carried “o’er the ramparts” of Fort McHenry NMHS as Ranger Tim Ertel kicked off our annual War of 1812 Fife and Drum Camp and hosted the National Civil War Field Music School. Field music and footfalls on the parade are the sounds of late June at Fort McHenry as each year students are invited to learn the art and history of martial music, and practice military drill from the War of 1812. Regardless of musical experience students from age 11 and up are welcomed to learn and play at the “home of the brave.” Supplies, food, and instruments are generously provided by local business and park partners each year.
This year 44 students from all over the mid-Atlantic came to Baltimore to become field musicians. For many this week marked their first time with fife or drumsticks in hand, and for some former camp participants this marked their first experience as instructors helping to develop a new corps of musicians for the Fort McHenry Guard living history program. After days of lessons, drill, and practice, students performed for the public on the parade ground of the Star Fort, and received recognition for their hard work throughout the week and dedication to the arts from National Park Service Acting Associate Director Tom Medema.
As the War of 1812 camp drew to a close, instructors from across the United States arrived to set up for the National Civil War Field Music School. Since 2015 Fort McHenry has partnered with the NCWFMS to encourage students from all over the country to learn about the history and music of the Civil War. Twenty-five students participated this weekend in public performances, and small group sessions focusing on fife, drum, and bugle exercises.
As the “home of the Star-Spangled Banner” fostering a connection with music and arts is central to our mission of interpreting American cultural history, just as appreciating the role of field music is central to understanding garrison life. Through our annual field music camps and year-round music programs, new musicians have opportunities to connect with their park, community, and friends while learning new skills. These young musicians will carry on the work begun by living history volunteers of the Fort McHenry Guard over 35 years ago by educating visitors about military life and music. And by marching in the footsteps and performing on the parade ground of those generations before them, they will inspire others to explore all that the study of history has to offer.
