Drummer’s Call Returns to Colonial Williamsburg May 17-18, 2024 – Free Event is Open to the Public to Enjoy

Drummers Call Returns to Colonial Williamsburg May 17-18, 2024 – Free Event is Open to the Public to Enjoy

Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes & Drums, along with fife and drum units from across the United States, will celebrate the tradition of military music during Drummers Call Weekend, May 17-18. A mainstay of the Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes & Drums program for almost 20 years, Drummers Call highlights the nation’s military and musical heritage by bringing together groups performing various periods of music including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this unique musical genre up close and in person and to celebrate the musicians who keep the tradition alive today. All Drummers Call events are free and open to the public. But if you are a local it is a great time to get your Good Neighbor Pass (which is on sale in May) so you can get discounts on shopping and dining while at this event! Not to mention you can always pop into the museum or a trade house for free with your GNP!

Here is the Schedule of Events for May 17-18, 2024:

1. Successful Campaign – Friday May 17th at 7:30 PM

The weekend begins with “Successful Campaign,” an evening of traditional, patriotic military music performed by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums Senior Corps and a special guest at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17, at the Governor’s Palace Stage (located behind the Governor’s Palace) as part of Drummer’s Call weekend.  (Governor’s Palace Stage).

2. Grand March and Review Saturday, May 18, beginning at 12:00 p.m – 2 pm (location change due to weather)

On the battlefield, the sound of fifes and drums could be heard up to a mile away. Experience the majesty of 18th-century military music up close as the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums lead visiting corps from around the country in a Grand March in the Colony Room at the Williamsburg Lodge. This event is part of Colonial Williamsburg’s Drummers Call weekend.. More information

3. Williamsburg Military Tattoo – Saturday, May 18th at 8:30 PM

Drummers Call concludes a thrilling torch-lit march down Duke of Gloucester Street, as Colonial Williamsburg’s Fife and Drum Corps is joined by guest units from across the nation (see list above in Grand March and Review)! Originally a signal for soldiers to return to barracks before curfew, tattoos evolved into elaborate displays of military music and displays. The Williamsburg Military Tattoo is a highlight of Drummers Call weekend, offering the rare opportunity to see multiple corps showcase their skills.

More about the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums – Founded in 1958, the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums perform in the Historic Area in daily programs from mid-February through December and during special programs observing major holidays. The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums are comprised of youth from the local community aged 10–18. Enrollment for the fall 2022 recruit class is now open to rising 5th graders in James City and York counties, as well as the City of Williamsburg,

History of Fifes and Drums -During the American Revolution, one fifer and one drummer were deployed as a regular component of a company of 75 officers and men. Two boys, generally aged between 10 and 18, marched along with each company. Military field music acted as a melodic communication system that ordered the soldiers’ day and sent vital communications through the chaos of battle. A single fifer and drummer could be heard from nearly a mile off. For more information on the history of fifes and drum corps, visit https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/explore/fifes-and-drums.