This past Saturday was the Deep River Ancient Muster in Connecticut. What is that you ask? It is only the largest gathering of fife and drum corps in the United States!
For about six years, my brother and I played in a fife and drum corps that was part of an American Civil War reenacting group. We were attracted by the music, and it was very enjoyable to perform all over Oregon with them, both in reenactments and parades. There is simply nothing like martial music.
Fife & drum corps eventually died off as part of the military after the bugle was introduced, and other, more modern forms of communication were invented. But they do survive here and there, and especially, for some reason, in Connecticut. I don’t really know why.
Since I still love to hear this music, and this parade in Deep River was actually within striking distance for me, I decided to meet up with a couple friends in the area, and go watch it. I was glad I did.
Looking down the road the drum corps
The Ancient Mariners Fife & Drum Corps
A drum corps from Basel, Switzerland
A reenactor drum corps
I thought this corps costumes were hilarious!
Of course, pictures don’t give nearly the full impression. Here is a video:
http://www.facebook.com/v/887896720888
Deep River Fife & Drum Corps
http://www.facebook.com/v/888155826638
At the end of the parade, most of the musicians assembled as one massive corps, and did the route all over again.
Overall, there must have been 40 fife and drum corps! It was excellent. It is always great to hear good music.
