As one of the United States Army's premier musical organizations, The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps has inspired audiences throughout the Nation and abroad for over 50 years. The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps’ unique capabilities allow the flexibility to perform in a wide range of performance settings. I’ve performed for both the Queen of England and Pope Benedict XIV, among several other foreign heads of state. Sometimes we get into our everyday routine and we forget about that. Also, finishing the ruck in the top 20 and pushing past that threshold of what you think you can do. Fife and Drum, Old Guard, Continental Army, Yankee Doodle Performance Licence: All information on this site (The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps) is considered public information (PUBLIC DOMAIN) and may be distributed or copied. It came time for the jump and we had to put on our 45 pound ruck sack. As awesome as Arlington Cemetery is, it is only one of many cemeteries in the United States and abroad where servicemen and women are laid to their final rest. It is quiet work, each Soldier working alone, moving along a row of headstones and placing each flag one at a time. SSG Nickels: So what kinds of things did you do to prepare? And to our veterans and their families, thank you for your service and sacrifice. The U.S. Army 3rd Infantry, the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and the Commander-in-Chief's Guard demonstrate Revolutionary War battle tactics and customs at Mount Vernon, Va., Feb. 17, 2014. Classic (or "Golden Age") drum and bugle corps are musical ensembles that descended from military bugle and drum units returning from World War I and succeeding wars. I stopped sweating and knew it wasn’t a good thing, and they helped me get out of a potentially problematic situation. Once on those hallowed grounds each company moves to an assigned area and begins placing American Flags at each marker in Arlington. There is one mission, however, that is the most fulfilling out of every opportunity I’ve had in the last twenty years. I ran most of the time with two snipers from Lithuania. Approval and tasking authority … ( Log Out /  SSG Nickels: What is one the one thing that you would want to share with your colleagues about your experience? It has also helped me as a drum major to show me how to lead and train hard. I have truly had an amazing and fulfilling career as a Soldier/Musician in The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. the old guard fife and drum corps - fife and drum stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Staff Sgt. Phone: 703-696-8521. In addition to ceremonies, the Corps performs traditional fife and drum music throughout the National Capital Region, including performances for … Members of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps perform during the opening ceremony of the 2016 Invictus Games at Champion Stadium in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida on May 8, 2016. Every year since 1948, on the Thursday before Memorial Day the 3d US Infantry Regiment – The Old Guard moves into Arlington National Cemetery en masse. As awesome as Arlington Cemetery is, it is only one of many cemeteries in the United States and abroad where servicemen and women are laid to their final rest. My husband is buried in Section 35. I don’t use “awesome” in its 20th century vernacular connotation, but rather to say that Arlington Cemetery stands as an indelible reminder of the price of freedom. It’s not particularly fun work. It’s a long, hot afternoon. The honor and importance of participating in this particular mission is hard to articulate. As you move along the rows, one row after another, it is impossible not to be struck by the awesomeness that Arlington Cemetery represents. Many of these ensembles originated from a type of military field music. Through patriotic music and marching drill, the Fife and Drum Corps evokes a keen sense of National pride ranging in venues from intimate banquet halls to the international stage. As a musician it’s helped me be efficient with my practice sessions. Since the Civil War, veterans of every US conflict have been laid to rest here and there are reinterred remains of veterans of both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. I did not hydrate properly. The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, when requested and in appropriate situations, can take part in public events sponsored by non-military organizations. There is no audience or applause. And yet, this is my favorite part of being a member of The Old Guard. The second phase was more academic but took place outside, and then the third phase was all about repelling. (And I think I know who you are. I thought the idea of going to a place so totally different from FDC would give me a new perspective of what the Army is like. Once on those hallowed grounds each company moves to an assigned area and begins placing American Flags at each marker in Arlington. We went last Memorial Day weekend and I was so touched by all the flags being in place. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. It doesn’t require my fife. It’s a long, hot afternoon. I heard a lot of stories saying that it was hard and some that it wasn’t. However, I wasn’t really expecting how cold it was going to be. After sitting down with him, it was clear that his experience was a catalyst for him to push his own limits and bring those lessons back to share with his colleagues in the Corps. SSG Parks joined the Corps in June of 2009 as a fife instrumentalist and has since then also qualified as one of our drum majors. SSG Parks:  I wasn’t really nervous. Traditionally, drum and bugle corps served as signaling units as early as before the American Civil War, with these signaling units having descended in some fashion from ancient drum and fife corps. I’ve had the opportunity to march for three presidents of the United States. The U.S. Army Military District of Washington facilitates requests for such support. Thank you for all you do for our country. That jump made the actual jump out of the helicopter a  lot easier. Arlington National Cemetery is the second largest National Cemetery in the United States and there are more than 400,000 headstones in the Cemetery. As we gear up for our annual Flags In event today, please check out SGM White's thoughts from our archives on what it means to be able to participate in this tradition: I reported to The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps on April 5, 1994, which means that I’m still new (I… Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. There is no feedback from the audience. It’s not particularly fun work. The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is a special ceremonial unit in The Old Guard, the ceremonial escort to the President. And yet, this is my favorite part of being a member of The Old Guard. I participated in the funeral of two former presidents of the United States. Even though I’m still new to The Old Guard, I have had some amazing experiences. I don’t use “awesome” in its 20th century vernacular connotation, but rather to say that Arlington Cemetery stands as an indelible reminder of the price of freedom. SSG Parks: Well the training was broken up into three phases that were about two or three days each so the days weren’t always the same. If it hadn’t been for them, I mean I still would have finished, but it would have been a lot slower time. Other elements of The Old Guard include the Commander-in-Chief's Guard (Company A), replicating the personal guard of General George Washington; wearing Colonial blue uniforms, powdered wigs, and cocked hats; and bearing Brown Bess muskets and halberds at ceremonies and special events; the US Army Drill Team, which demonstrates its skill and precision around the nation, and Old Guard Fife and … The honor and importance of participating in this particular mission is hard to articulate. It doesn’t require my fife. Members of the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps from Washington, D.C., marched through the French Quarter in the Louisiana Bicentennial Military Parade, Nov. 10. I’ve had the opportunity to march for three presidents of the United States. ( Log Out /  See more ideas about fife and drum, fife, american revolutionary war. At the beginning of this year, he added another accomplishment to his career by becoming the first member or the Corps to complete the United States Army Air Assault School at Fort Benning. They taught you their own way of repelling. Note the Cadets in the background enjoying the show. Change ). The uniforms worn by the members of the Corps are dated circa 1784, and consist of black tricorn hats, white wigs, waistcoats, colonial coveralls, and distinct red regimental coats. I did still finish in the top 20 in the class. I have family buried there. As we gear up for our annual Flags In event today, please check out SGM White’s thoughts from our archives on what it means to be able to participate in this tradition: I reported to The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps on April 5, 1994, which means that I’m still new (I promise there are at least 10,000 former Old Guard Soldiers who would agree with that statement!). I was always the first one to show up for the extra training and the last to leave. It is due to you that we all enjoy the freedoms we cherish as Americans. The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is one of four premier musical organizations of the United States Army.Members perform using musical instruments and wearing uniforms similar to those used by military musicians of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.. It was so worth it to go that extra mile, no pun intended, to see what I could really do. Even though I’m still new to The Old Guard, I have had some amazing experiences. SSG Parks: Jumping off that tower was one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever done in my life. Not all of the headstones mark the final resting place of a service member who gave his life in the service of his country, but every one of them marks the final resting place of a man or woman who stepped out of the crowd to take an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States – regardless of the cost. A Fife and Drum Corps is a musical ensemble consisting of fifes and drums. To kick off the reintroduction of our monthly blog, I wanted to focus on the recent accomplishments of one our soldiers, SSG William Parks. It’s called “Flags in.”. 3d US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) ATTN: U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps 201 Jackson Avenue . Performance Licence: All information on this site (The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps) is considered public information (PUBLIC DOMAIN) and may be distributed or copied. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features They were very encouraging and supportive. Then it was 9-5 all in a classroom with a test on the third day. For those unfamiliar to the Air Assault school, its primary focus is to train soldiers to be proficient in air assault helicopter operations, including a real life exercise of rappelling out of a helicopter. JBM-HH, Virginia 22211-1203. The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is proud to present Celebrating 50 Years, a new compact disk recording celebrating the Unit's 50th Anniversary!This recording features music from recent as well as from past shows, including Spirit of America. I participated in the funeral of two former presidents of the United States. The Old Guard is the Army's official ceremonial unit and escort to the president, and it also provides security for Washington, D.C., … There is no feedback from the audience. Orlando, Florida, United States. Since the Civil War, veterans of every US conflict have been laid to rest here and there are reinterred remains of veterans of both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. The Corps provides musical support to the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), the Army's official ceremonial unit and escort to … And every one of them receives a flag on the Thursday prior to Memorial Day. And to our veterans and their families, thank you for your service and sacrifice. There is no audience or applause. Fife and Drum Corps - The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is the only unit of its kind in the armed forces, and the musicians of this unit recall the days of the American Revolution as they perform in uniforms patterned after those worn by the musicians of General George Washington's Continental Army. SSG Parks: I think I came in at about two hours and thirty minutes. I’ve performed for all variety of American citizens from Tarpon Springs, Florida to Bristol, Rhode Island; Washington DC to Los Angeles, California. Every year since 1948, on the Thursday before Memorial Day the 3d US Infantry Regiment – The Old Guard moves into Arlington National Cemetery en masse. I said I was going to do it and I accomplished it. I have truly had an amazing and fulfilling career as a Soldier/Musician in The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. SSG Parks:   To tell you the truth I submitted my name not thinking it would happen. ( Log Out /  I reported to The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps on April 5, 1994, which means that I’m still new (I promise there are at least 10,000 former Old Guard Soldiers who would agree with that statement!). Members perform using musical instruments and wearing uniforms similar to those used by military musicians of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The 3d U.S. Infantry, traditionally known as "The Old Guard," is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving our nation since 1784. In the United States of America, fife and drum corps specializing in colonial period impressions using fifes, rope tension snare drums, and rope tension bass drums are known as Ancient Fife and Drum Corps. The demonstration was part of festivities celebrating President's Day at the home of George Washington. To see the unit is to experience history come alive - a proud tradition that bagan … As we face so many challenges on this year's Memorial Day, join us in coming together through this steadfast tradition of placing a flag at the headstone of each grave at Arlington National Cemetery . The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is one of four premier musical organizations of the United States Army. And every one of them receives a flag on the Thursday prior to Memorial Day. SSG Parks:  Definitely jumping out of the helicopter. I was already having trouble stopping, so putting on the rucksack made me completely terrified. The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps Founded in February, 1960, the men and women of The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps carry on traditions that accompanied the birth of our nation. Thursday will be my 21st year of placing flags in Arlington National Cemetery. I’ve performed for all variety of American citizens from Tarpon Springs, Florida to Bristol, Rhode Island; Washington DC to Los Angeles, California. I’m saving this for my family to read on Memorial Day. Wish I could be there to see this amazing sight. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. We hope to be at the cemetary on Sunday. As we gear up for our annual Flags In event today, please check out SGM White’s thoughts from our archives on what it means to be able to participate in this tradition: I reported to The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps on April 5, 1994, which means that I’m still new (I promise there are at least 10,000 former Old Guard Soldiers who would agree with that statement!). Thank you for placing flags on the graves of our fallen heroes. It’s something I will never get to do again in my life. SSG Nickels: What was the most rewarding part of the experience? Established in 1960, the Fife and Drum Corps is one of the United States Army 's premier bands. Its intended use is for viewing and retrieving information. The first sergeant also taught us how to distribute the weight in the rucks so that the weight was more distributed on your hips instead of your back, and it really made a huge difference on the twelve mile rucks. I put my name down for like five things  including air assault, and they jumped at the idea. Generally speaking, works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. I thought a change in scenery and a change in activity would be interesting and rewarding. Thank you to you and The Old Guard for placing the flags at the graves. The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is the only musical unit of its kind in the United States military with the mission to represent the United States SSG Parks: We did some ruck marches with extra weight to prepare. The first phase was purely academic. Founded on February 23, 1960, the men and women of the Corps proudly carry on traditions that accompanied the birth of our Nation. ( Log Out /  There is one mission, however, that is the most fulfilling out of every opportunity I’ve had in the last twenty years. First Sergeant Ward and another guy who just went to air assault came down to give us some advice on how to pack and what to expect. Even though I’m still new to The Old Guard, I … Instead of going into a practice room and going through the motions, it has helped me focus and get more out of my time. The school takes ten days to complete and is broken into three phases: combat assault, slingload operations, and rappelling phase. SSG Parks: I think the one thing I would share is that everyone here is capable of so much. It happens every year, rain or shine and it is perhaps the only mission that involves nearly every Old Guard Soldier. 8th May, 2016. Thank you for sharing! As you move along the rows, one row after another, it is impossible not to be struck by the awesomeness that Arlington Cemetery represents. In fact, during flags in, while the majority of The Old Guard is in Arlington Cemetery, one company from The Old Guard reports to the US Soldier’s and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery in Washington DC where more than 14,000 veterans from the Civil War and later are buried and of course there are veterans buried at community cemeteries across the nation. Old Guard, Fife and Drum Corps, 3rd U.S. Infantry Media Files General Disclaimer: This web site is provided as a public service by The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Past_Corps: Former Fife Section Leader U.S. Army's 3rd U.S. Infantry "The Old Guard" Fife and Drum Corps; Endicott Continentals Ancinent F&D (past president & music director/fifer); North-South Field Music (fifer/member); Yankee Privateers F&D Corps (past president/fifer); Village Colonials Jr. Arlington National Cemetery is the second largest National Cemetery in the United States and there are more than 400,000 headstones in the Cemetery. SSG Nickels: What was the most challenging part for you? It is due to you that we all enjoy the freedoms we cherish as Americans. It’s called “Flags in.”. The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corp performing at BOA November 11, 2010 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy. It is quiet work, each Soldier working alone, moving along a row of headstones and placing each flag one at a time. When displaying the U.S. flag with other flags, the U.S. flag comes first and is centered in the middle … SSG Parks: One thing I can apply to being a musician is the level of efficiency at which they trained. The official association of The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. It happens every year, rain or shine and it is perhaps the only mission that involves nearly every Old Guard Soldier. Join Us and Keep the Tradition Alive! Thursday will be my 21st year of placing flags in Arlington National Cemetery. In fact, during flags in, while the majority of The Old Guard is in Arlington Cemetery, one company from The Old Guard reports to the US Soldier’s and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery in Washington DC where more than 14,000 veterans from the Civil War and later are buried and of course there are veterans buried at community cemeteries across the nation. SSG Nickels: What made you want to sign up for air assault? I had the chance to sit down with SSG Parks to talk to him more in depth about his experiences leading up to and during his training. I’m a huge fan of CW and The Old Guard!) Thank you! Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Also, I realized once I got on the tower that I was afraid of heights. I’ve performed for both the Queen of England and Pope Benedict XIV, among several other foreign heads of state. 6 talking about this. SSG William Parks receives his Air Assault badge at graduation. I, for some reason, wasn’t really getting the stopping part. SSG Nickels: What was your time for the twelve mile ruck? SSG Nickels: Do you feel any of that experience has helped you as a musician? I would say don’t be scared to dig deep and see what you are really capable of. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. He also told me what to expect as far as what to expect on the academic side and how to get extra training from the cadre for the sling load test, which ended up being very helpful. We would wake up for PT around 0600. Not all of the headstones mark the final resting place of a service member who gave his life in the service of his country, but every one of them marks the final resting place of a man or woman who stepped out of the crowd to take an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States – regardless of the cost. The cadre that assisted me talked me through it and I was able to get past that hurdle. Jun 6, 2020 - Explore Joy Hatch's board "fife and drum" on Pinterest. There are more than 400 Medal of Honor recipients and, of course, it is the home of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There are more than 400 Medal of Honor recipients and, of course, it is the home of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.