The Fife
and Drum Corps consists of ten to fifteen fifes and three drummers. They play
a selection of authentic fife tunes that were played over two hundred years
ago by musicians in the revolutionary war. These tunes are mixed with band
medleys in the parade line up to add variety to the performance. The corps
also performs independently from the band several times a year.
The fifes are wooden reproductions of those used
in revolutionary times. Two rope tension snare drums and one rope tension
bass drum also accompany the fifes. All the tension on the drums results from
hand tightening ropes that pull the heads together, providing the crisp sound
that is unique to rope tension drums. Cooperman Fife and Drum Co., one of the
foremost rope tension drum producers, manufactures the drums.
In the past the fife and drum corps has had many
unique performance opportunities including performances at Elfreth’s
Alley and the Betsy Ross house in historic Philadelphia.
As one of the very few high school fife and drum corps in the country, The
BHHS Fife and Drum Corps has done much to enhance the image of the entire
band.
The Bugle Corps: For 2003 the band
introduced a bugle corps. The buglers have several responsibilities including
calling the band to formation and playing taps.