The Middlesex County 4-H Fife and Drum Corps has educated young people in how to play fife and drum since 1972. The group participates in events around New England, and seeks young musicians to be part of the Fife and Drum Corps. Find out more information about the group in the announcement provided by Middlesex County 4-H Fife and Drum Corps.
The Middlesex County 4-H Fife and Drum Corps was founded in 1972 in order to pass on New England’s fife and drum tradition to young musicians. The group’s repertoire consists of fife and drum music dating from the American Colonial Period to modern pieces written in the traditional style. Comprised of youth aged 8 to 18, the corps is led by its members, who elect their leaders and determine their own events and repertoire each season.
The corps performs in parades and at historical commemorations throughout New England during the year. There are several upcoming events that include:
Sunday, May 18: Bellingham Memorial Day Parade. The parade steps off at 1 p.m. from the Bellingham Memorial Middle School and ends at the Town Common.
Monday, May 26: Andover Memorial Day Parade. The parade steps off at 10:00 a.m. from the intersection of Elm Street and Florence Street.
Saturday, June 14: Lincoln 250 Community Day. This event takes place at the Pierce House (17 Weston Road, Lincoln, MA) from 11am-3pm. The celebration honors the birth of the nation and Lincoln’s citizens during the Revolutionary War.
Saturday, June 21: Boxborough’s Fifer’s Day Festival. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. It goes from Blanchard School to the Town Hall and ends at Flerra Field where a festival takes place.
Saturday, August 2: Piscataque Rangers Junior Fife & Drum Corps’ Muster. This is a gathering of fife and drum corps at Fort McClary in Kittery Point, ME. Following a parade, there will be fife and drum corps performing throughout the day.
Saturday, August 30: Nutmeg Volunteer Junior Ancient Fife & Drum Corps’ Muster. This event takes place at Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton, CT. The parade steps off at 11am from inside Fort Griswold and concludes in front of The Monument. Following the parade there will be performances from the participating corps.
The corps provides music lessons during weekly Sunday afternoon rehearsals at Bemis Hall, 15 Bedford Road, Lincoln, MA. The corps is happy to welcome anyone, including those who do not yet play an instrument. Instruments, instruction and most uniform parts are provided without charge. The participation fee is just $40 per year. For more information, reach out at mc4hfd@gmail.com or mc4hfd.org.