The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is the only unit of its kind in the armed forces, and is part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). The Fife and Drum Corps is stationed at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, VA.
The musicians of this unit recall the days of the American Revolution as they perform in uniforms patterned after those worn by the musicians of General George Washington's Continental Army. Military musicians of the period wore the reverse colors of the regiments to which they were assigned. The uniforms worn by the members of the Corps are dated circa 1784, and consist of black tricorn hats, white wigs, waistcoats, colonial coveralls, and distinct red regimental coats.
The drum major of the unit is distinguished from the other musicians by their headgear, the light-infantry cap. In contrast to modern Army bands, and as an indication of prominence, he carries an espontoon instead of the standard mace. The espontoon is an 18th-Century weapon carried by officers. However, it is used by the drum major to issue silent commands to the Corps.
The 69-member Corps uses 10-hole fifes, handmade rope-tensioned drums and two-valve bugles, that bring to life the exciting sounds of the continental army. While traveling, the marching strength of the unit is normally 22 musicians and support personnel.
As an official representative of the U.S. Army, the Corps averages approximately 500 performances annually. The Corps has entertained millions of people in major parades, pageants, and historical celebrations throughout the United States; and has served America as a goodwill ambassador around the world. The Corps has performed at major sporting events including NCAA bowl games, NBA games, NFL games including Super Bowl XVI, the Kentucky Derby, the Indianapolis 500, and the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid NY.
In support of the President, the Corps performs for all arrival ceremonies at the White House for foreign heads of state and has participated in every Presidential Inauguration Parade since President John F. Kennedy.
Small Team Show
12 Soldiers
Our 12-Soldier Small Team is our most versatile ensemble. Designed to be utilized in smaller venues, this ensemble is perfect for school presentations, galas, and State dinners.
Offering one drum major leading four fifes, four bugles, two snare drums, and one bass drum, this group is both adaptable and inspiring.
(Approximate show duration: 15 minutes)
Standard Show
22 Soldiers
Our 22-Soldier Standard Show is a dynamic mid-sized ensemble. Designed to be featured in larger venues, this ensemble is the perfect choice for opening ceremonies or professional sporting events.
Offering one drum major leading eight fifes, eight bugles, three snare drums and two bass drums, this show has entertained audiences from the Olympics to the White House.
(Approximate show duration: 12 minutes)
Arena Show
33 Soldiers
Our 33-Soldier Arena Show is the largest and most visually striking performance. Designed specifically for use in arena-sized venues, such as military tattoos, this ensemble is available by special request only.
Featuring one drum major leading twelve fifes, twelve bugles, five snare drums, and three bass drums, this show entertains audiences in the tens-of-thousands.
(Approximate show duration: 14 minutes)
Parade
12 or more Soldiers
Nothing is more American than a parade, so why not have yours step-off with one of the Nation’s premier marching organizations? Featuring either 12 or 22 Soldiers, our Parade presentation offers a unique spectacle of marching and music that is bound to be the highlight of your parade.
Colors Presentation
Three Soldiers supporting a Color Guard
An embodiment of National Pride and honor, our National Colors are the foundation of ceremonies and special events. Nothing in the world stirs the patriotic spirit in your audience more than the sound of The United States National Anthem performed on early-American instruments. Our Colors Presentation is designed to bring this experience to life at your major sporting event, gala or civic function.
**When presenting the colors in conjunction with a marching Color Guard, please request the participation of an Old Guard or Joint Service Honor Guard Colors team from the Military District of Washington.
Special Performances
The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is uniquely versatile in our performance capabilities. Our ability to perform in a variety of musical settings allows us to appear in locations such as symphony concert halls, professional sports venues, as well as on television and film.
We encourage you to contact our Operations office to inquire about your specialized performance needs.
Interested in a career as a musician in The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps? Our ensemble includes positions for fife, bugle, snare drum, and bass drum. Explore the links above to learn more about each position.
The Fife and Drum Corps is comprised of 69 musicians whose main duty is the ceremonial support of military functions within the National Capital Region. Ceremonial duties are conducted both indoors and outdoors and involve prolonged periods of standing and marching. The Corps’ work schedule varies and involves daytime work hours with intermittent night, weekend, and travel commitments.
Applicants for Fife and Drum Corps vacancies are pre-screened for qualification, and a select number of candidates are invited to attend a live audition at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia.
Benefits
Compensation
Annual starting salary of $73,000 to $78,000
Healthcare
Full medical and dental coverage
Paid Leave
30 days paid vacation annually
Retirement
The Blended Retirement System allows you to immediately begin contributing to a retirement account, in addition to being eligible for a pension after 20 years of active duty service.
Education
Earn full tuition for higher education through the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Also, tuition assistance is available for continuing education.
Military Rank
Members of The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps are given the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 42S (forty-two sierra), “Special Band Musician.” Personnel are promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) shortly after completion of Basic Combat Training.
Location
Permanent duty assignment to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
The Fife Group performs on 10-hole B flat fifes in ceremonies, parades, and concerts.
Members of the Fife Group come from all backgrounds, from traditional fife and drum to classical music training. The fellowship of these talents allows for the Fife Group to maintain the best of American fife culture and to embrace the future of this time-honored tradition.
Click here to download the latest fife audition packet!
About the Fife
The practice of using fifes as a military signaling instrument is a centuries-old practice from Europe and was also a staple of the American Army from the Revolutionary War through the 19th Century. Not only did these instruments signal commands on the battlefield, they were also used to indicate hours of duty, formations, and to lift morale.
The fife is traditionally a transverse 6-hole wooden instrument. Fife Musicians of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps play on 10-hole fifes made from grenadilla wood with metal joints and accents. These modernized instruments enable the performance of traditional fife music as well as a wider array of more intricate and chromatic arrangements.
The Bugle Group performs on specially designed two-valve bugles in ceremonies, parades, and concerts. In addition to performing with the Corps, buglers provide support for military funerals.
Click here to download the latest bugle audition packet!
About the Bugle
Bugle Musicians perform on uniquely designed instruments that bridge the gap between the first Army bugles and the modern day trumpet. The Corps' instrument nods to the traditional bugle through a tightly-coiled wrap and appearance of no valves when played. The instrument, however, incorporates two rotary valves tucked inside the wrap of the instrument, allowing the musicians to perform not only signal calls but to play in multiple keys, serving an integral role in the Corps' arranged music for shows and parades.
Although the earliest Continental musicians used trumpets, the Bugle gained popularity through the turn of the 19th century. By the war of 1812 bugles were in use by the American Army and, like fifes and drums, were used as signal instruments. The bugle of the time contained no valves, which limited available notes to the natural overtone series.
The Snare Drum Section performs on custom, handmade rope-tension snare drums in ceremonies, parades, and concerts.
Our snare drum musicians come from a variety of backgrounds including classical percussion, drumset, Ancient fife and drum, and Drum Corps International. It is these broad stylistic influences that make the section so unique.
About the Snare Drum
The origin of the snare drum can be traced back hundreds of years to Switzerland, where it was first used by Swiss mercenary forces to coordinate troops on the battlefield. For centuries, this practice spread throughout Europe and was eventually brought to the American colonies. At its founding in 1775, the Continental Army inherited the British methods of snare drumming, a tradition which continued as an essential tool of military communication through the American Civil War.
After the Civil War, thousands of drummers from both sides went home, taking with them their drumming knowledge and skills. Many would start community music groups, sparking a rich American tradition of drum corps and marching bands that grew through the 20th century and fostered by The Old Guard Drumline to this day!
The Snare Drum Section performs on handmade, rope-tensioned snare drums designed specifically for their performance demands. The drums employ synthetic heads and measure 17" in diameter by 20" long. All drums are emblazoned with the Regimental Colors of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) flanked by the campaign streamers for all battles in which The Old Guard has participated.
The Bass Drum Section performs on custom, handmade rope-tension bass drums in ceremonies, parades, and concerts.
Our bass drum musicians come from a variety of backgrounds including classical percussion, drumset, Ancient fife and drum, and Drum Corps International. It is these broad stylistic influences that make the section so unique.
Click here to download the latest bass drum audition packet!
Click here to download the bass drum style guide!
About the Bass Drum
Drums have been used throughout military history for both entertainment and coordinating troops on the battlefield. During the American Civil War, the bass drum most often accompanied regimental bands with a steady marching beat. In the 20th century, rudimental bass drumming developed into a unique percussive art form, a tradition our Bass Drum Section continues to this day!
The Bass Drum Section performs on handmade, rope-tensioned bass drums designed specifically for their performance demands. The drums measure 26" in diameter and 16" across the shell. All drums are emblazoned with the Regimental Colors of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) flanked by the campaign streamers for all battles in which The Old Guard has participated.
Why do you wear red coats?
Military musicians of the period wore the reverse colors of the regiments to which they were assigned. According to General Orders, signed by General George Washington October 2, 1779, regiments from Virginia were to wear Blue Coats with Red Facing [Trim]. Thus, the Fife and Drum Corps wears red coats with blue facing.
Is this your full-time job?
Musicians in the Corps are full-time, Active Duty Soldiers in the United States Army. Our Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) is 42S – Special Band Musician. All Soldiers must complete Basic Combat Training upon entering the Army, and Soldier-Musicians are no exception. An assignment to The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is a permanent duty assignment, which means Soldiers remain a member of the Corps for their entire enlistment.
I only saw a small group perform – is that all the members you have in the Unit?
The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps’ unique capabilities allow us the flexibility to perform in a wide range of settings. Our performances include many different sizes, configurations and content that is appropriate for a variety of venues and audiences.
What is the painting on the drums?
The painting on the front of the drums is the regimental colors of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). In the center is the Old Guard Crest, of which each element holds symbolism for the unit. Around the edges are battle streamers for every campaign The Old Guard has participated in.
What is the spear the Drum Major uses? What about the hat?
The Drum Major of the Corps carries an Espontoon, an 18th century weapon that was carried by officers. It is used by the Drum Major to issue silent commands to the Corps. The Drum Major also wears the Light Infantry Cap, made of leather and bear fur. The red waist sash and baldric with two drum sticks further distinguish the Drum Major from other members of the Corps.
Where do you get your music from?
Our Production Staff writes and arranges all music and marching drill performed by the Corps. Soldiers are chosen for Production Staff following a rigorous selection process. An extensive knowledge of and experience with music, arranging, traditional music history, and drill writing is essential. Music is drawn from our own extensive collection at The United States Army Center for Martial Music.
How can I get a recording?
Recordings are available to download for free on our website here. Photographs, videos, and other media are also available. Please visit one of our Social Media link below here.
How do I request the Fife and Drum Corps?
The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, when requested and in appropriate situations, can take part in public events sponsored by non-military organizations. The U.S. Army Military District of Washington facilitates requests for such support. Approval and tasking authority is exercised according to governing regulations and practices. More information about requesting the Corps can be found here.