The SAR MAGAZINE is the official quarterly publication of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution published quarterly.
Issue link: http://sar.epubxp.com/i/258013
22 SAR MAGAZINE By Thomas H. Romine T he Sons of the American Revolution takes pride in requiring historically accurate genealogies for membership. The SAR color guards strive to present proper uniforms for the period. There are several reasons for this. First, we want to represent an image of patriot ancestors that is accurate and respectful. Second, a color guard member is committed to finding the suitable uniform to outfit himself. We shouldnÕt find blue jeans and tennis shoes as part of a Revolutionary War presentation. The music for the color guard should be taken just as seriously as the regimental coats, hunting frocks, breeches, hats, shoes and period muskets or rifles. The SAR has guidelines for color guards and the use of fifes and drums: ÒHow to Create and Train Your Color Guard Unit Drum and FifesÑSounds of Victory.Ó ÒThe memories of AmericanÕs Revolutionary War beginnings reverberate each time the martial strains on the ÔDrums and FifesÕ are heard. Each time this stirring music reaches the ears of the American public they envision Gen. George Washington and his Continental Army and the liberty and freedom they sacrificed to achieve for us. When the drums and fifes are accompanied by colorful flags carried by a fully uniformed Revolutionary War color guard the American public no longer has need for their imaginations: all the sights and sounds are there to excite them to renewed patriotic vigor and pride in Country.Ó 1 Following these guidelines and the resources on the use of fifes and drums in the American army during the Revolutionary War, we learn that fifes and drums were used exclusively during this period. There is no historic evidence that the Continental Army used any other instruments. So, it follows that the same custom should be practiced in the present day. When I started researching this topic and began asking questions about the use of other instruments, including bagpipes, on the American side, I received some interesting answers from knowledgeable scholars. Susan Cifaldi is a historian with the Company of Fifers and Drummers in Ivoryton, Conn. This organization promotes the fife and drum tradition internationally. She says: ÒIn all my work I have never come across bagpipes (or bagpipers) as an official part of the Continental Army. I havenÕt read any orders permitting and/or appointing them and/or regulating their use. I have found as Raoul has already proven, that they were in use in certain Highland regiments, but thatÕs about it.Ó 2 [Emphasis added] (Reference to Raoul F. CamusÕ Military Music of the American Revolution; 2nd edition Westerville, Ohio: Integrity Press, 1993) 3 Kate Van Winkle Keller makes several references to bagpipes in the Colonies in her book, Dance and Its Music in America, 1528-1789. 4 One reference is to Ò1773, Philip Fithian, in Winchester, Va.Ó which reports: Òevery Sound is Martial! Drums beating, Fifes and bagpipes playing, & only sonorous & heroic tunes.Ó David Hildebrand of the Colonial Music Institute believes that this would be regional at best, probably a militia outfit, and since the reference was in 1773, it would pre-date the Continental Army and, therefore, the Revolutionary War. Van Winkle Keller adds, ÒI would think bagpipes were so solidly associated with the British army and definitely here during Let's Get the Music Right U.S. Navy photo by Nola Sparks WINTER_14_sar18-25.indd 22 2/4/14 11:07 AM