Fife and Drum Corps
Join the ranks! The Fife and Drum Corps is a volunteer musical ensemble dedicated to representing the fort’s history through music.
What we do
- Learn and perform period duty calls and military music
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Depict one of the earliest military musical units in the state
- Share music history with Historic Fort Snelling’s visitors
When we do it
- Program runs from March-October
- Regular concerts/marching are Saturdays from May-August
- Other special event programming
What we are looking for
- Volunteers ages 14+
- Passionate, music-oriented people
- Excited to speak with visitors and volunteers about music/music history
- Woodwind, brass, or drum experience is encouraged, but not required!
The Corps typically rehearses and performs on Saturdays between 9:30am and 1:00pm. Volunteers are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances, but can work with the Corps coordinator to participate around their existing schedule. New members are trained by returning members with fife and drum experience.
Photo credit: Some photos courtesy Cavitt Productions.
To apply or inquire
If you are interested in joining the Fife & Drum Corps, please contact Historic Fort Snelling at ftsnelling@mnhs.org
Background
Founded in 1971, when the historic site opened, the corps took a hiatus after only a few years. Music duties at the fort were handled by the interpretive staff, but their performance opportunities were limited. The full corps was revived in 2014 using staff musicians and student volunteers. The musical repertoire now spans from the Revolutionary War through World War II, including the years when Fort Snelling was an active post of the United States Army.
