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Our Instruments

Our Instruments

The Brandywine Colonials perform with instruments rooted in 18th-century American military tradition, carefully chosen to honor the sound, look, and function of Revolutionary War field music. Each voice in the corps—fife, snare, and bass—plays a vital role in recreating the powerful rhythms and melodies once used to signal commands, rally troops, and lift spirits on campaign. While we embrace historical craftsmanship, we also incorporate select modern materials to ensure durability and performance without compromising authenticity. Together, these instruments bring the past to life with every step, beat, and breath.

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Fife

The fife is a small, high-pitched wooden flute with six finger holes and a piercing, clear tone that can be heard across great distances and over the din of battle—perfect for battlefield communication. Used extensively during the American Revolution, fifes signaled commands, set marching pace, and lifted morale in camp and on campaign. In our corps, we use traditional wooden fifes modeled after 18th-century designs to preserve the authentic sound and spirit of Revolutionary War music. When played together in harmony, the fifes evoke the urgency, pride, and patriotism that once rallied the Continental Army.

Rope Snare Drum

The rope-tension snare drum provided the rhythmic backbone of the army, issuing signals for drills, daily routines, and battlefield maneuvers. Its sharp, mid-range tone could cut through the din of musket fire and chaos of combat, and it perfectly complemented the piercing sound of the fife. In the 18th century, these drums were built with wooden shells, calfskin heads, hemp rope, and leather tensioners known as “pig ears.” Our drums honor that tradition in both form and function—featuring the same rope-tensioned silhouette and historic proportions—while incorporating modern materials like Kevlar rope and heads for durability, consistency, and ease of maintenance. The result is a drum that looks and sounds the part, delivering the authenticity of the past with the reliability needed for today’s performances.

Rope Bass Drum

While rope-tension bass drums were not used in American field music during the Revolutionary War, they have become a cherished part of fife and drum corps tradition since the mid-19th century. Played horizontally with a mallet on each head, the bass drum adds depth, power, and ceremonial weight to the ensemble. Ours are built in the style of 19th-century rope bass drums, using traditional wood shells and leather tensioners, while incorporating modern materials like Kevlar rope and durable heads to withstand frequent performances. Though not historically accurate to the 1770s, the rope bass drum has become a time-honored part of the fife and drum soundscape—one that stirs the heart and sets the pace with every beat.

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