"How To"
Create and Train Your Color Guard Unit

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Drum and   Fifes -   Sounds of   Victory

The memories of America's Revolutionary War beginnings reverberate each time the martial strains on the "Drums and Fifes" are heard.  Each time this stirring music reaches the ears of the American public they envision General George Washington and his Continental army and the liberty and freedom they sacrificed to achieve for us.

When the Drums and Fifes are accompanied by colorful flags carried by a fully uniformed Revolutionary War Color Guard the American public no longer has need for their imaginations, all the sights and sounds are there to excite them to renewed patriotic vigor and pride in Country.  Unfortunately, most of the S.A.R. Color Guards do not have a Drum and Fife corps, it is therefore necessary to always try to position your Color Guard in a parade with other similar units and in front of any horses.

You do not want to march next to a high school's marching band unless you have a desire for a multiple heart attacks on the part of your Color Guardsmen.   Colonial units march at a rate of 60 beats per minute, modern military units at 80 beats per minute and high school marching bands at 120 beats per minute.   Quite a difference.  If you can not find another colonial unit to march with, position your Color Guard next to a Highland Bagpipe Band.  Their step is the same as a colonial unit and the music is good to march to.   Good music helps you keep in step and makes a Color Guard look better.

For special events, wherein the SAR is the only Color Guard or is the Guard of Honor, it may be possible to hire musicians.  Most high schools and collages have marching bands and are available for a moderate fee.  They should be able to supply drummers and usually flutists.  If you use this method you must furnish a recording or sheet music indicating what you will wish played and insist on a rehearsal.  They must have time to practice in order to avoid their playing at 120 beats per minute.