On behalf of the Fort McHenry Guard, we would like to cordially invite you to our War of 1812 Fife and Drum Music Camp, 2013! Over the past few months, we have assembled an array of the most talented and professional instructors from the tri-state region to teach students the art of 19th Century Military Music. Our intention is to hold a Field Music School on the grounds of historic Fort McHenry, to instruct aspiring fifer and drummers in the music and culture of the War of 1812. The approach is entirely hands-on. Participants will experience what it meant to be a musician in our nation’s second war with Great Britain. This includes marching, military formations, musical instruction, flag raising, cannon firing, and much more.
The camp will be held in the morning, from 9 o’clock until noon, Wednesday through Saturday. Students will rendezvous at a large tent, erected outside of the historic star fort. Students will then engage in an action packed day. They will march into the fort for the morning flag change, roll call and inspection. They will then conduct musical training and workshops, learning and improving with each passing day. Around noon, the classes will end, and students will be de-briefed, fed, and released for the rest of the afternoon. At the end of camp, upon completion of all courses, the Fife and Drum school culminates with an 1812 Music Spectacle. The students will form a massive Corps, and display their accomplishments in a performance for the general public. Certificates of completion will then be issued, and students will return home with increased musical and historical knowledge, as well as an official camp shirt, music, and a special memento of their work at the fort. It will be a fun and educational experience that students will long remember.
To participate in the Fort McHenry War of 1812 Fife and Drum School, applications and registration must be completed before May 31, 2013. There is no fee required. Acceptance into the school will be acknowledged via e-mail.
We look forward to seeing new faces and having a great time learning Fife and Drum! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to send an email to Ranger Tim Ertel at:
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Thank You,
Ranger Tim Ertel, Music Coordinator Fort McHenry Guard Fife and Drum Corps 2400 East Fort Ave., Baltimore, Md. 21230
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Students will be provided an official t-shirt to serve as the uniform of the day
- Musicians are also encouraged to wear a hat and/or sunscreen, hydrate before and after sessions, and eat a good breakfast for a long and active day
- Musicians are also encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and shorts
- Volunteers and staff will be available for questions and comments at all times throughout the day
- There will be a large tent to serve as a cooling station. Water will be provided; free lunch will be served at Noon. Bring your own snack food, non-refrigerated food for breaks.
- Free transportation is available by bus. The Charm City Circulator and #1 bus stop are outside the gates of the park
- Instruments and music will be provided. However, if you have a Fife in Bb or a rope tension snare drum, you are welcome to bring them to practice
- Fort McHenry can be reached by phone at 410-962-4290
