Renowned Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums Celebrate 50th Anniversary in 2008

Renowned Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums Celebrate 50th Anniversary in 2008

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., March 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Colonial Williamsburg's Fifes and Drums have celebrated the history of 18th-century field music for decades, and now they are making history of their own in 2008 as these musical ambassadors celebrate their 50th anniversary.

"Through the Fifes and Drums guests not only see a part of our nation's history they hear it," said Tim Sutphin, director of historic events.

Founded in 1958, the Fifes and Drums perform in Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area nearly 500 times during the year in daily programs through December.

To celebrate this milestone anniversary, several signature events are scheduled:

-- Drummer's Call, May 16-18. Colonial Williamsburg's musician interpreters and guest fife and drum units from across the country perform military field music.

-- July Fourth, Old and new members of the Fifes and Drums meet for a reunion. The alumni perform alongside the current Fifes and Drums in a concert prior to fireworks.

-- Grand Illumination, Dec. 7. Guests to this holiday celebration will be treated to a special concert by the Fifes and Drums.

Colonial Williamsburg guests also can enjoy Fife and Drum concerts, "The Art of Fifing and Drumming," that explore the life of an 18th-century military musician throughout the year.

A quasi-military unit, the 87-member Fifes and Drums follows 18th-century practice by recruiting school-aged youth. Field musicians were vital to commanders as the sole means of relaying orders during battle.

The Fifes and Drums perform at concerts nationally and internationally, including the Basel Tattoo, Basel, Switzerland, July 15-19. The world-renowned military musicians have represented Colonial Williamsburg throughout the country, including performances at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the Lexington and Concord 225th Celebration in Boston and the New York Historical Society.

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is the nonprofit educational institution that preserves and operates the restored 18th-century capital of Virginia. "Revolutionary City" -- a daily dramatic street theater presentation -- is a 2008 Rand McNally Best-of-the-Road Editor's Pick. Williamsburg is located 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., off Interstate 64. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-HISTORY or visit online at www.history.org.

CONTACT: Penna Rogers, 757-220-7121, progers@cwf.org

For images of The Fifes and Drum contact Colonial Williamsburg at
progers@cwf.org.
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

CONTACT: Penna Rogers of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation,
+1-757-220-7121, progers@cwf.org

Web Site:

http://www.history.org/

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