On June 29, 2013 performers from the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the U.S. Army Drill Team will converge into Baker Park at 6:30 p.m.
CONTACT: Susan Harding, Public Information Officer, 301-600-1385
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 21, 2013
Military Tradition Coming to Frederick
Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the U.S. Army Drill Team
Frederick, MD -- On June 29, 2013 performers from the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the U.S. Army Drill Team will converge into Baker Park at 6:30 p.m. This free and open to the public performance promises to entertain the crowd, through their music and precision.
The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is the only unit of its kind in the United States Armed Forces and is charged with maintaining some of America's oldest military music traditions. Their crisp drill and early American music represent the dedication, discipline and precision of the United States Army to our Nation and the world.
Created in 1960, as an element of The Old Guard, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is one of only four Army premier musical organizations. The Fife and Drum Corps' uniforms, distinguished by the tricorn hat, white wig, and red colonial-style greatcoat, are patterned after those worn by the field musicians of the 1st American Regiment of 1784, to which The Old Guard traces its roots. The musicians' blue-trimmed red greatcoats were opposite in color to those worn by the infantry soldiers. This helped commanders identify their musicians through the smoke and confusion of the battlefield.
In 1948, The Old Guard selected the Army's finest Soldiers to concentrate on precise marching and crisp rifle drill. These Soldiers became what is known as The U.S. Army Drill Team. Although the original members are long gone, the rigid standards they established remain unchanged.
Trim military bearing, strength and dexterity are mandatory for qualification to the Drill Team. Soldiers on the Drill Team use bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles. Soldiers are selected for this elite team after 75 days of rigorous and competitive drill practice. These Soldiers and their performances are one of the finest examples of what hard training, constant practice and teamwork produces in today's Army.
The event is hosted by The City of Frederick, Fort Detrick, and the Fort Detrick Alliance. Observers are reminded to bring chairs. All interested media should contact the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick Public Affairs Office at (301) 619-2018 or via email at usarmy.detrick.usag.mbx.pao@mail.mil
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