Civil War Drum Major

[jppard]

Does anyone know which drill most Civil War drum majors used?

J.M. Perry

Jppard

[33rdaladrummer]

Re: Civil War Drum Major

I don't think you'll find much difference between the tactics manuals (Casey's, Scott's, etc.) and the fife and drum manuals (Hart, Bruce and Emmett) as regards drum major signals. Most of the language was copied verbatim from earlier sources, which were themselves translated from the French.

Another source that may help with drum major signals is Infantry Tactics by William Hopkins Morris, published in 1865, which is available on google books.

Unfortunately, much of the drum major signals you see today in reenactor fife and drum corps have more in common with 20th century British pipe bands than 19th century American drum corps.

Another aspect of field music "drill" used today in reenactor corps that was taken from the British and has no basis in Civil War era drumming is the practice of raising the drumsticks up into the air before commencing playing. As with the many other influences that have made their way into the modern fife and drum condition, and old habits die hard.

[jppard]

Re: Civil War Drum Major

Thanks for the information.

J.M. Perry

Jppard