When a regimental military band (woodwinds and brass) were also present, the fifes and drums marched at the head, followed by the military band. When the companies of a Regiment or Battalion were gathered together, it was customary to assemble the fifes and drums from all the companies into a 'band' to march at the head of the column on parade. services from the Revolutionary War up until the late 19th Century. This pattern was also practised in the U.S. It became customary for each company of 100 or so men to be assigned 2 fifers and 2 drummers to sound signals, hours and alarms, as well as play popular music on the march. Drilling to precise and increasingly complicated geometric movements, armies adapted and trained fifers and drummers to signal preparatory alerts and execution signals as well as times of day for the troops. The rise of the modern army began in the late 16th century and evolved throughout the 18th century. Drums have had a role in militaries going back farther in history. Fifes originally accompanied companies of soldiers, providing music while on the march and in camp. įifes have been in use by military organizations since the 16th century. It is a similar instrument to the German Schweizerpfeife, which translates to "Swiss fife", the Irish flute, baroque flute and the piccolo. The fife originated in Europe and has spread widely beyond. Modern 10-hole and 11-hole fifes are chromatic, thus able to play any note as opposed to the more limited ancient fifes, which could only be played in a few keys. While ancient fifes were one-piece and therefor not easily tuned, modern fifes are two pieces connected by a joint made from either metal or cork. The original form was small and bore six finger-holes, but later versions may have various sizes and numbers of holes. Problems playing this file? See media help.įifes are an ancient wind instrument that have evolved over the centuries.
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