WILLIAMSBURG — The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums, along with seven visiting fife and drum units, will celebrate the tradition of military music during Drummer’s Call, May 17-18.
A mainstay of the Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes & Drums program for nearly 20 years, Drummer’s Call highlights the nation’s military and musical heritage by bringing together groups performing various periods of music including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.
The event gives attendees the opportunity to experience this unique musical genre up close and in person and celebrate the musicians who keep the tradition alive today. All Drummer’s Call events are free and open to the public.
The weekend begins with “Successful Campaign,” an evening of traditional, patriotic military music performed by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums Senior Corps and a special guest at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17, at the Governor’s Palace Stage, located behind the Governor’s Palace.
On Saturday, May 18, beginning at 12:30 p.m. The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums will lead visiting corps in a Grand March and Review from the Capitol down Duke of Gloucester Street to Market Square. The musicians will congregate behind the Courthouse where each group will perform.
Participating groups include:
- Adamsville Ancients Fife and Drum Corps
- Central York Middle School Fife & Drum Corps
- Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums Jr. Corps
- Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums Sr. Corps
- Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums Alumni
- Field Musick of the American Revolution
- Field Music School
- The Fifes and Drums of York Town
- Patriots Fife and Drums Corps
Drummer’s Call concludes with the Williamsburg Military Tattoo, an evening march down Duke of Gloucester Street at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, featuring the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums joined by the visiting units.
For the full lineup and more information, visit colonialwilliamsburg.org.