Hear the Flute, Fife, and Drum
During this program, listen to our Resident Fifer play different fifes, flutes, and a drum to demonstrate their different sounds and functions.
Learn about some of the musicians who played music on the front lines of the American Revolution and examine replicas of 18th-century uniforms, books, and sheet music.
Our fifer also demonstrates tunes for dancing, such as a minuet, a jig, and a reel.
Francisco plays for a student group, 2018.
Other Musical Military Signals
Watch musician Don Francisco demonstrate military command on the drum and fife.
Music in the Revolutionary War
The music in General Washington's continental army consisted of fife and drum corps and served as signals in battle, telling soldiers in the camp when to wake up, fetch wood or provisions, and show up for church.
Fifing with Visitors
Watch our resident fifer in action.