Back in October of 2007, a colleague and friend asked me if I could put together a drummer and play flute at a "Living History" awards ceremony. Living History is a club that teaches about Revolutionary history through reenactment. When I attended this function I learned that the students and their parents were excited about the learning that had taken place the year before. I was so inspired at this event, I decided to create an outgrowth of the Living History unit with a Fife & Drum Band.
By November, I had 2 drummers and 6 fifers. Currently I have 7 drummers and 46 fifers. I needed a way to teach all these students with limited contact time in school. My answer was to create an online Fife & Drum teaching station.
The site http://www.theradiohour.net/smsband_fifendrum.htm uses Sibelius, Scorch, and Quicktime to provide the students with an alternative to multiple ensemble lessons to complete basic performance tasks. On the site you will see a fife lesson section and a drum lesson section. (I felt that the two combined units were cluttering the focus of each unit)
The group now has a repertoire of 6 songs including Yankee Doodle, British Grenadiers, and all are taught with the use of technology. The students are motivated by the desire to be a part of the next performance. "If you can play, you can stay" and those who can't can be a part of the color guard holding flags and muskets until they are ready.
This year I play to take the group to Boston. What a connection to play marching past The Old North Church or at Bunker Hill. I'm so proud of my students. It was definitely worth the extra effort!
If you have any questions, drop me an email at chetcutis@theradiohour.net
