Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a fife and drum corps?
  A fife and drum corps (pronounced "core") is a marching musical unit with military origins. It is composed of fifes, snare drums and bass drums. Often a drum major and color guard are included.
  

• Why is it called "ancient"?
  "Ancient" refers to a style of music derived from the historical origins of fife and drum corps in the military of the 18th and 19th centuries. There are also modern style fife and drum corps, which differ from ancient style in instruments, dress and music.

• What is a fife?
  A fife is a simple type of flute, small yet loud, with a shrill, clear tone. It is most commonly made of hard woods, and sometimes of metal or plastic.
  

• What is the difference between a marching band and a fife and drum corps?
  Both groups are marching musical units, and there the resemblance ends. Ancient fife and drum corps limit their instrumentation to fife, snare drum, and bass drum, in contrast to the variety of woodwinds, brass and percussion found in a marching band. The music they play is also different. Ancient fife and drum corps play military and folk music from the 18th and 19th centuries, and very little from the 20th century. Most of the marching band repertoire comes from the 20th century.

• What types of drums are used?
  Ancient corps use rope-tension drums, which have less tension in the drum heads than modern rod-tension drums. Ancient drums also usually have bigger heads and deeper shells than modern marching drums. These three factors lend a deeper, louder, richer sound.

• What kind of events do fife and drum corps participate in?
  Fife and drum corps often participate in parades and events with historical and patriotic significance, such as Independence Day or Memorial Day. Many corps also play the National Anthem for ceremonies, such as for Veterans' Day or Flag Day.