The Fifes & Drums of the Delaware Militia Established 2002

The corps was established in December of 2002, and is a non-profit organization, dedicated to perpetuating fife & drum music played in the ancient style. Typically, the minimum age for membership is nine, or in the Fourth Grade, but the corps accepts anyone who is willing to work hard in learning to perform as a musician.

The Corps earns funds necessary for uniform and equipment maintenance through generous donations from parades and command performances.

The corps plays traditional fife and drum music, mainly from the Revolutionary War and Civil War eras. The corps is run with a military style; consisting of officers (Fife or Drum Captain) who run each section along with a non-commissioned officer (Fife or Drum Sergeant) being the second in charge, all under the command of the Head Drum Major. Practices are structured, and professional decorum is expected at performances. Corps rehearsals are structured such that the more experienced musicians instruct the students, then the students practice on their own while the musicians work on performance tunes, and end the practice with the entire corps marching and playing together. Students march in the color guard until they have learned marching skills and can play five required tunes proficiently. The corps is family-oriented, with performing and non-performing family members sharing a wide variety of support services which include transportation, chaperone functions for younger members, food and camping preparation, uniform construction, etc. The corps uniform consists of a continental military-shape tri-corn hat with white-on-black cockade and yellow trim, white period shirt, velvet stock, blue waistcoat, smoke-blue rifle frock, white haversack, and tan full-length trousers with plain black leather shoes. The corps performs throughout the year, usually starting with the St Patrick's Parade in Wilmington, various Memorial Day commemorations in May, Delaware Separation Day in early June, July 4th, the Pulaski Day Parade in Wilmington in October, local Thanksgiving and Christmas Parades, and at the historical Hale Byrnes House in Stanton on the first Saturday in December. Members of the corps love to have fun, and attend a few musters and other informal get-togethers with other corps during the year. Visit our 2008_Season_Schedule and find out where we will be performing! For further information on fees and availability, please contact Business Manager Robert Howell at drlsgt76@aol.com or (302) 893-6753.
Rehearsals are held Tuesdays 6:00pm to 8:00pm at St. Nicholas Church. St. Nicholas Church 10 Old Newark Road Newark, Delaware 19713 (corner of Old Newark Rd and E Chestnut Hill Rd/Rte 4 - click here for map)

Click HERE to watch video of the Corps!