T
he
26th N.C. Field Music strives to accurately portray the musicians
of the War Between the States, playing authentic rope-tension
drums and six-holed fifes. The members of the Field Music function
as a true military Field Music should function both in camp and
on the field.
Learn about North Carolina's State Song:
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Unlike brass bands of the period used primarily for special occasions, the fifes and drums were considered an essential part of the infantry. The field music was responsible for playing the "camp duty" calls, such as reveille and dinner calls, as well as keeping a steady cadence with uplifting tunes while the army was on the march. Contrary to the popular Hollywood image, most musicians were not "little drummer boys", but were actually regular military age. These men were expected to know what they were doing and had to demonstrate a high level of musical knowledge.
As reenactors, the current musicians of the 26th N.C. play camp duties and marching tunes straight from the music books of the period. The group prides itself in being one of the most authentic in the hobby, both in musical sound and military decorum.
There is always an opening for new members who have sufficient
musical aptitude and an interest in learning this historic style
of music. Our current members range in age from the twenties
to the fifties. While the field music accepts members under the
age of sixteen, all members must demonstrate a commitment to
the performance of the music and must meet the group’s basic
musical knowledge requirements.
Also available are the group’s CDs, "Music on the March" & the new CD of The Carolina Fife and Drums "Go to the Devil & Shake Yourself", composed of various drum & fife tunes from the period. See the above link to their separate website for more information.
For more information on the 26th N.C. field music
contact principal musician Bill Bynum at:
