Newby fifer

[WaltonGuard_Pvt]

I am 14 and recently got into reenacting. My dad and I have a group nearby we go with. However whenever there is a national event I can't hold a gun. So a couple weeks ago we decided to get me a fife. I've had it for a couple weeks now. I can't read sheet music. Also I've learned to play Dixie and the Minstrel Boy from the finger charts.
I have only done infantry and no nothing about fifers and their place in a company; I would like to know what would a fifer do at a battle reenactment since I can't hold a gun. Anything or a reference would help!

 

[redbob]

Welcome aboard from Alabama young man, the fifer and other musicians would be used as stretcher bearers (medics) during combat situations.

 

[CMWinkler]

welcome

 

[Bonny Blue Flag]

A big and warm Texas welcome, Walton!

You have come to the right place for all things CW. There are members here who can help you with queries about the role of a fifer/stretcher-bearer, etc. I am interested to know as well.

There is a growing number of young folks joining the ranks, glad to see you are one of them!

--BBF

 

[Lazy Bayou]

Welcome from Mississippi...

 

[Servina]

Welcome, young sir, from the great state of Indiana. I can second the comments about the folks here being helpful and full of information.

 

[Gandycreek]

Welcome from West Virginia.

 

[ExNavyPilot]

Welcome aboard the forum from Hampton Roads, Virginia. Glad to hear that you and your dad actively share your interest in the Civil War by reenacting. While you're limited to what you're allowed to do now--not able to bear arms--the time will soon come when you'll be able to take part fully in the battle reenactments. Meanwhile, enjoy learning how to reenact well, and be the best fifer and stretcher-bearer you can.

 

[Blessmag]

Welcome from Minnesota

 

[truthckr]

Welcome from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

 

[nitrofd]

welcome from the sunshine state...GO GATORS

 

[yankee belle]

A big Buckeye welcome. GO BUCKS.

 

[Mike Serpa]

Welcome!

 

[major bill]

Hello from east of la mer douce. How old will you have to be to get "transferred" to the infantry?

 

[Spencer]

Welcome from Pennsylvania!! Best of luck with playing the fife. I truly enjoy hearing musicians play at encampments. It make the experience more reflective, more exciting, more enjoyable.

 

[Union_Buff]

Hello there and welcome to CWT from a CW reenactor all the way from New Zealand

 

[Diplogeek]

Welcome! I think being a musician is actually pretty cool- it's a skill that not a lot of people have, and once you get the basics down, you don't have to be limited to military music; there is so much great popular music from the period that could be played on a fife (or a flute, or a tin whistle, since the fingerings carry over). And in the time between now and when you switch to infantry, you have the chance to acquire a lot of your gear and develop a really solid impression.

 

[WaltonGuard_Pvt]

Hello from east of la mer douce. How old will you have to be to get "transferred" to the infantry?

I believe you have to be 16 year old to "transfer" at a national event