April 17, 2003

Features

Marching to America's Songs

By Davey Porter

You hear them before you see them. Like their battle-weary counterparts from two centuries past, the members of the Mountain Fifes & Drums Corps are meticulous in their bearing, and accomplished in their artistry -- performing faithful renditions of the earliest military music in America.

Established a month after the September 11 tragedy, the corps is the inspiration of Kevin Garland and Cindy Olson of Twin Peaks. Garland, whose children actively participate in the 30-plus member marching band, performed with the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums for seven years and was then employed by Colonial Williamsburg as a living historian. Garland is a graduate of Cal State Long Beach with a bachelor's degree in music and is a certified music therapist.

"This is something our entire family enjoys," Garland said, as his corps assembled for a parade and photo opportunity at the Lake Arrowhead Village. "Bringing music to kids is so important, and watching them excel is such a reward." Garland instructs the youngsters -- ranging in age from 9 to 18 years -- in proper drumming and parade formations. He also Majors the corps as they march through their numerous appearances throughout the year. The Mountain Fifes & Drums Corps recently appeared at Knott's Berry Farm, and performed in a President's Day program at Forest Lawn's Hall of Presidents this year.

"The Mountain Fifes & Drums have grown so fast, and we are so proud of the direction it has taken," Garland noted.

Cindy Olson -- mom to three corps members and the organization's fife instructor -- is a past member of the prestigious Oregon Fife & Drum Corps and a member of the California Consolidated Drum Band which is the official corps of the State of California. California Consolidated performs at official State functions.

"I just think history is so important, and if you can introduce kids to history through music it just makes it that much better," Olson said.

A private piano and flute teacher for five years, Olson is involved in educating children through living history reenacting.

AMERICA'S MUSIC

The fife began to assume its symbolic role in American history with the Boston Tea Party on the night of December 16, 1773. As the participants returned from that historic event, they marched to the spirited sounds of the fife and drums.

Because it was one of the best instruments to keep soldiers marching in step, the fife soon spread to other regiments, and as early as 1756 Benjamin Franklin -- then a militia colonel in Philadelphia -- passed his regiment in review with fifes and drums in the ranks.

In 1764 instruction books called 'fife tutors' -- as well as fifes -- were advertised for sale, and four years later an account relates that British troops landed and marched to the Boston Common with colors flying, drums beating, and fifes playing Yankee Doodle. It was not uncommon for British military bands to play the tune in a salute of ridicule to the colonists.

During the Revolutionary War, each colony provided militia troops who normally had one or two fifers and drummers for each company, and as early as July, 1775, George Washington, the newly appointed commander in chief, was issuing orders concerning the instruction of fifers and drummers in the Continental Army, which was plagued by a shortage of instruments.

The Continental Congress authorized fifes and drums for the Continental Army, and in fact today's Continental Army Fifes & Drums Corps perform at State dinners and ceremonial occasions at the White House, and at embassies throughout Washington, D.C.

While the Mountain Fifes & Drums Corps was a dream come true for Olson and Garland, to the young people involved who make the dream come to life, it means so much more.

"It is so much fun to jam on the tunes with everyone," said one spirited corps member.

Said another fifer, "All my best friends are here and we have so much fun." Many of the participants are home schooled together, carrying their friendships from the classroom to the parade ground.

Besides the discipline learned through hours of musical training and marching drills, the consensus among the fifers and drummers who make up the corps is appreciation. "This group means so much to us, and it's so cool being able to do something that your other friends wonder how you do," said one drummer.

THE TUNES

Fife music, traditionally learned by rote, was played to boost the morale of the troops. The upbeat tunes portrayed the spirit of the soldier -- be it religious, patriotic, or as folk music which reminded him of home -- and reached its zenith during the American Revolution. Traditions were carried on through the War of 1812, and into the Civil War.

The Mountain Fifes & Drums program is inspired by the famed corps in Colonial Williamsburg. Members must be in the fourth grade through high school and be willing to learn 18th and 19th century music. Some corps favorites include Sisters, Katy Hill, and the venerable fife favorite Yankee Doodle. "That's not our favorite," said fifer Sarah Olson. "It's a crowd-pleaser. We do that one because everybody expects it."

New recruits pass through the ranks eventually assuming the role of Sergeant Major, and every promotion requires standards which must be demonstrated before a member receives his or her new position. Casey Ochs is a fife section leader who calls out which tunes will be played while on march; however, before he was allowed the privilege his rank affords Ochs learned to play 12 tunes and demonstrated his knowledge of music interpretation.

Said Garland, "The ultimate goal is to provide scholarships based on performances, rank and community service. The only cost to join the unit is $10 for a plastic fife or for sticks and a practice pad. Once members are promoted to Private they are entitled to purchase a rosewood fife or Virginia drummer sticks and a sling."

Interested recruits may contact Kevin Garland at (909) 337-0244, or Cindy Olson at (909) 336-7336. Their website is at www.mountainfifesanddrums.org.

 

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This article was reprinted with gracious permission by the Mountain News.