History of the Corps
The Corps was formed in 1976 by the County of York during the Bicentennial of the American Revolution and today has grown to a membership of almost 85 youngsters. To become a member, the boy or girl must be between the ages of 10 and 18. There are three levels of ability: Recruit, Junior and Senior. The goal of all members is to reach Senior status, to parade and wear the Regimental uniforms reminiscent of the 18th century musicians who served in the Continental Army here in Yorktown, Virginia. To reach this goal, each member, both fifers and drummers, must be able to read music, learn a minimum of 24 tunes, and march and perform in frequent public appearances. Corps members are taught by professional instructors and are provided the opportunity of attending annual musters of similar corps throughout the United States.
The Corps Today
Members of the Fifes and Drums of York Town have recently performed at such prestigious venues such as the Jefferson Memorial, Camden Yards, the Smithsonian Institution, the Virginia Governor's Mansion, the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. As this year progresses we are preparing nearly 100 performances at locations across the eastern seaboard. Both Junior and Senior members are seen and heard weekly during the Spring, Summer and Fall in the restored Town of York. See the Corps in action: Here's a recent performance at Mount Vernon.
Joining the Fifes and Drums of York Town
The Corps is actively seeking new students from our community and we conduct one recruit class annually. Members are selected (in order) from our first-come / first-served waiting list and membership is open to ANY young man or woman between the ages of 10 and 18. If you are excited by our American heritage and want to pursue excellence as part of our organization, the Fifes and Drums of York Town wants to hear from you! Please contact us at recruit-chair@fifes-and-drums.org.
Corps Performances
Most Corps performances are free and open to the public. The Corps is also for hire and available for corporate and private events. To find out more details of hiring the Corps please email: performance@fifes-and-drums.org.
The Fifes and Drums of York Town is funded in part by the generous support of the York County Arts Commission, The Virginia Commission for the Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts, and by individual donors who are interested in preserving our American heritage.
