Heartbeat of Battle
During the American Revolution, communication was not like it is today. There are no radios. So, how does a general communicate his orders to 17,000 troops ready for battle? Music. There is a need for instrumentation that could be heard over large areas. The Fife is chosen because it is a high-pitched sound that the human ear can easily pick up. At the other end of the spectrum, the drum is chosen for its low bass sound that could also be easily picked up by the human ear.
Each command had its own tune. Soldiers know when to turn right, turn left, reload, fire, and cease fire, all based on which music is playing by the Fife and Drum Corps.
For the general to give his orders to the musicians, he will have to find them easily among his soldiers. If the fighting soldiers wear blue coats with red cuffs, the fife and drum corps wear red coats with blue cuffs. This makes them stand out and easily recognizable. Wearing the colors opposite of the fighting soldiers also alert the enemy that these people are not armed and are of no threat.
Musicians do not get nearly enough credit for the important role they play during the war. They are the Heartbeat of Battle.
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Camera: Cannon Rebel T6
Aperture: F11
Shutter Speed: 1/1250
ISO: 1600
Exposure Bias: 0
Focal Length: 80mm
Mode: Aperture Priority
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All content by
Keith J. Fisher
©2020, 2026
Grazie Santangelo.
All Rights Reserved.
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