Fifes and Drums
the "Musick" of the
Royal Welch Fusiliers in America
General Information
Links to Living History Groups, and Historic Sites
Links to Revolutionary War Reenactment Groups
Regimental Information
"The Fusilier" Regimental Newsletter
A Brief History of the 23rd Foot
Traditions of the Royal Welch Fusiliers
Royal Welch Fusiliers & United States Marine Corps
According to official returns of the period, "the musick" of the 23rd Regiment consisted of two groups: the Drummers and Fifers and the Band of Musick. The former consisted of ten drums (one per company) and two fifes (in the Grenadier company) ‘on the Establishment’, i.e. officially paid for by the government. Each line company also had a minimum of one fifer ‘off the Establishment’, men who were officially enrolled as private soldiers. This gave the Regiment at least ten drummers and eleven fifers, under the direction of a Drum Major. The Drummers and Fifers performed the daily military ceremonies, including reveille, retreat and tattoo, and provided signals in battle. They administered punishments, provided music on the march and on parade, and assisted the Regimental surgeon with the wounded.
The Band of Musick consisted of civilians and enlisted men that were provided with instruments and non-military uniforms paid for out of a fund created by the officers. Playing instruments such as hautboys, oboes, and a serpent, they provided music at officers’ messes and on parade.
The recreated 23rd has a growing number of Drummers and Fifers made up of some of the finest and most handsomely turned-out musicians in the hobby. We are actively seeking boys and men over the age of 12 to follow the drum. Musical training is desired, but not required.
If interested please contact:
Drum Major Thomas A. Reinhart
1404 Knightsbridge Turn
Crofton, MD 21114
Email: dm23rwf@hotmail.com
or any officer of the Regiment located in your area!