The Fife And Drum | Guilford Courthouse

The fife and drum played a crucial role during the American Revolution. They were used as tools for commanders to communicate with their troops.  Fifes and drums were much easier to use for relaying commands, rather than yelling commands through distance, gun and cannon-fire, smoke, and general confusion.  Different tunes composed for fifes and drums meant various commands for soldiers to follow.  

Several popular fife and drum tunes during the American Revolution include "Yankee Doodle," and "The British Grenadiers."

Standards

• 4.2.CX Contextualize South Carolina’s role in the development of the new nation.
• 8.2.CE Explain the economic, political, and social factors surrounding the American Revolution.
• This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into how the colonies began to unify to create a distinctive American identity over the course of events of the American Revolution.
• 8.2.CX Contextualize the roles of various groups of South Carolinians as the colonies moved toward becoming an independent nation.
• This indicator was developed to encourage inquiry into the motivations of colonists during the American Revolution and the progression of conflict and failed compromise that ultimately led to revolution.

Resources