By Mary-Justine Lanyon
The Mountain Fifes & Drums Corps was founded in 2001 by the late Kevin Garland and Cindy Olson.
“We teach music and history,” Joy Hatch, the co-director of the corps told the Women’s Club of Lake Arrowhead at their Nov. 20 meeting.
The corps, she noted, is “an interpretation of the fifes and drums of George Washington’s army during the Revolutionary War. The fifes and drums were the communication system of the time – they used music to communicate with the soldiers.”
A representative group of musicians lined up on the deck at RB’s Steakhouse and played three numbers for the Women’s Club – “Sisters,” “The White Cockade” and “Yankee Doodle.”
Fifer Eleanor Valdez came into the restaurant to show the women her fife. She explained it is made of wood.
The fife, Hatch said, “is a simple, ancient instrument. It has a high frequency so its sound can carry over long distances.”
While the Mountain Fifes & Drums usually go to Colonial Williamsburg on the odd-numbered years to participate in Drummer’s Call, they will be going in 2026 as it will be the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
For these trips, Hatch noted, the corps has to raise about $40,000. FedEx donates the shipping of their uniforms and the drums. While in Williamsburg, the corps performs at Mt. Vernon, which has become a favorite of the young musicians, who range in age from 10 to 18. As part of their performance, they lay a wreath on George Washington’s tomb.
Their upcoming fundraiser, Colonial Christmas, will take place at the San Moritz Lodge in Crestline on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. The evening includes colonial music, 18th-century dancing and musical recital of historic events. A highlight of the evening is when the musicians serve pie to their guests. For tickets, visit www.fifesanddrums.org.
As the meeting came to a close, Kristin Countryman, the vice president of membership, presented Hatch and co-director Rob Pellandini with a check from the Women’s Club for $1,000.
Joy Hatch led members of the Mountain Fifes & Drums Corps in three tunes from the Revolutionary War period. (Photo by Mary-Justine Lanyon)
0 Comments