Book description
The state of Connecticut boasts an extensive and active community of
fife and drum groups. This musical tradition has its origins in the
small military bands maintained by standing armies in Britain and Europe
in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries--the drum was especially
important as it helped officers train soldiers how to march, and was
also used to communicate with troops across battlefields. Today fifers
and drummers gather at conventions called "musters," which may
include a parade and concerts featuring the various participating corps.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest muster ever
was held in Deep River, Connecticut, in 1976. Musician and historian
James Clark is the first to detail the colorful history of this unique
music. This engaging book leads the reader through the history of the
individual instruments and tells the story of this classic folk
tradition through anecdotes, biographies, photographs, and musical
examples. "Clark is perfectly suited to his task. An intimate of
the form itself as a student, teacher, director, and performer, he is
also a trained scholar. His research was extensive and
incisive."--Renee Rothman, Journal of Folklore Research JAMES
CLARK is a founding member of the Connecticut Valley Field Music, a fife
and drum band based in Middletown, Connecticut. A true advocate of this
music, Clark gives lectures and demonstrations to a wide array of
audiences around the state, across the nation, and in Europe.
