On Saturday, July 25, 2008 The Corps and the Connecticut Landmarks hosted an 18th century Encampment on the grounds of the Nathan Hale Homestead, Coventry, Connecticut.. Then on Sunday, the 26th, they hosted their Annual Grand Parade and Fife & Drum Muster. What follows are links to video taken during both days.
That is the GOOD news. The bad news is that while filming the parade and entrance of all the corps, I had to leave the camera running , non-stop. By the time it came time for Nathan Hale Ancient Fifes & Drums to play their 2008 stand piece, the batteries had expired so I do not have a video of that performance. If any one out there HAS such a video, I would appreciate getting a copy so I can add it in here. Thanks
In the Encampment
The Morning Gun and Flag Raising
If you are NOT a snare drummer, you will probably find this next section long and BORING.
Note for drummers: Two weeks previous, I gave this youngster his first ever snare-drum lesson. I chose to do it
... See me do this? ... Now, YOU do it...
Also; from clues in Benjamin Clark's Drum Book 1797, I learned that the drag rudiments (single & double drags), the Three-and-a-two ... (lesson 25), and the short rolls ... 3-stroke,5-stroke, 7-stroke ), etc were taught very early on in the process, along with drum beatings that used these first rules. So; I have been teaching the "Rules for the Drum" in that order... long before addressing the development of the Long Roll. This seems to be working very well. You can watch the actual progression during the video.
You will not hurt my feelings if you skip it completely..
in the manner in which, I believe, drummers were taught during the War for Independence