Fort Ticonderoga
National Historic Landmark
(518) 585-2821

fort@fort-ticonderoga.org

PO Box 390
Ticonderoga
NY 12883

Fife & Drum Corps of Fort Ticonderoga
(Les Fifres et Tambours du Fortress Carillon)




2008 Fife & Drum Muster - photos by Frank Bradford II

Corps History

Fort Ticonderoga first formed a fife and drum corps in 1925 to take part in the 150th anniversary of our nation's independence. In 1939, a second corps was formed of local musicians to represent the town and the fort for "Ticonderoga Day" at the World's Fair in New York City.

Then in 1973, in preparation for our country's bicentennial, Fort Ticonderoga organized its first "full time" fife and drum corps to perform in the parade grounds every day during the summer.

Since that year the talented musicians of the corps have performed for millions of people not only at the fort but for events such as the 1980 Winter Olympics, the birthday of "Old Ironsides" the USS Constitution, Chicago's Memorial Day Parade, the christening of the United States Navy cruiser USS Ticonderoga, the National Convention of United States Medal of Honor Recipients, and the Evacuation Day/ St. Patrick's Day Parade in Boston, Massachusetts.

The corps has traveled nearly 50,000 miles to march for audiences at venues including Bunker Hill, Dorchester Heights, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Disneyland, and many historic sites all over New York State, Vermont, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Canada.

Atlantic Watch - First Pipes and Drums to attend Muster:

"Atlantic Watch" photos by by Frank Bradford ll

Daily Schedule & Duties

The fifers and drummers at Fort Ticonderoga consider themselves to be a "living exhibit" for the museum, as they reenact the sights, sounds, and duties of 18th century field musicians. They entertain and educate nearly 100,000 visitors annually. Their days begin with a uniform inspection and reveille, or flag raising ceremony. The corps performs musical concerts, artillery demonstrations, and military life vignettes while "on duty," and end each workday with a retreat, or flag lowering ceremony, to secure the military flags for the evening.

The fifers and drummers of Fort Ticonderoga are honored to be one of the very few corps at a museum and/or historic site in the world today with the ability to accurately portray not one, but two different regiments, from two different countries, and two different wars and time periods.

Uniforms and Appearance

In the spirit of American pride and patriotism, the fife and drum corps of Fort Ticonderoga represents the field musicians of the New York First Regiment, commanded by Colonel Alexander McDougal. Created in 1775, nearly a year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this regiment of "Yorkers" served throughout the state, and as far south as Yorktown, Virginia during the American Revolution.

In their newest role, the corps proudly dawns the field musicians' uniform of General Marquis de Montcalm's own regiment, the Royal-Roussillon of 1756-1759. This French regiment helped defend New France from the northern advance of British colonists and soldiers, and was part of the force that defeated an invading army five times their size at the Heights of Carillon in 1758.

Recordings & Publications

The fifes and drums of Fort Ticonderoga have recorded and released four collections of 18th and early 19th century music:

Both recordings on Compact Discs are currently available through the fort's museum store. Proceeds from the sale of these recordings directly support the corps' programs.

Support the Fife & Drums Corps

The fifes and drums of Fort Ticonderoga are very fortunate to have the friendship of a modest number of patrons and sponsors. Through their generosity and support, the corps has some money set aside for unexpected or emergency use, so as not to add to an already strained budget. If you would like to help secure the future of the fife and drum corps and their role at the fort, please contact For Ticonderoga.

Future projects and goals needing additional funding and support