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

• 4-3 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the conflict between the American colonies and England.
  • Revolutions result from resistance to conditions that are perceived as unfair by the people who are demanding change. The changes brought about by revolution can be both positive and negative. To understand the results of the conflict between the Amer...
    • 4-3.3 Summarize the importance of the key battles of the Revolutionary War and the reasons for American victories including Lexington and Concord, Bunker (Breed’s) Hill, Charleston, Saratoga, Cowpens, and Yorktown.
• 8-2 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the causes of the American Revolution and the beginnings of the new nation, with an emphasis on South Carolina’s role in the development of that nation.
  • The events surrounding the American Revolution transformed British colonists into American citizens. To understand South Carolina’s pivotal role in this process, the student will utilize the knowledge and skills set forth in the following indica...
    • 8-2.1 Explain the political and economic consequences of the French and Indian War on the relationship of the South Carolina colonists with Native Americans and England.