William Jennings Bryan, the Free Silver Movement, and a Silver Fife

A donation from the estate of legendary fifer Jack O'Brien, a mysterious metal fife, and a test at a jewelry store lead to the story of the election of 1896. 

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Sons of Liberty Recording Rediscovered!

During recent audio digitization activities at the Archives of The Company of Fifers & Drummers a rare treasure was rediscovered - a recording of the Sons of Liberty performing two medleys that had previously gone unnoticed in the archives. The Company is proud to make these recordings available to the public today, on the 68th anniversary of the performance!

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Jam Session at the Museum of Fife & Drum

The final segment of the Ed Classey DVD residing in The Company of Fifers & Drummers archives contains footage of a jam session held indoors at the Museum of Fife & Drum in Ivoryton, CT.  

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Sonny Lyons Drumming

The Ed Classey DVD residing in The Company of Fifers & Drummers archives contains a short segment of Drummer Matt “Sonny” Lyons demonstrating rudimental drumming. The video is shot at The Company of Fifers & Drummers HQ and Museum in Ivoryton, CT, and appears to be recorded just after the Sons of the Whiskey Rebellion Rehearsal video.  Sonny Lyons demonstrates with perfect form the Sturtze method of Rudimental drumming. 

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Sons of the Whiskey Rebellion Rehearsal

The Ed Classey DVD residing in The Company of Fifers & Drummers archives contains this hidden gem – A rehearsal of The Sons of the Whiskey Rebellion held in the barroom of the Company Museum and HQ. The “Whiskey Boys” run through a number of their medleys on the bar top. Seen in the video are drummers Ken Lemley, Ed Classey, Bill Pace, and Sonny Lyons. 

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Ed Classey on Rudimental Drumming

In this, our second of five videos from the Ed Classey DVD, Ed Classey provides a lesson in rudimental drumming at his home in Ivoryton, CT. Mr. Classey articulates a very straightforward method descended from the teachings of Gus Moeller, which have been streamlined for ease of instruction and applicability to a wide range of drumming styles. Basic strokes are defined, and a series of traditional rudiments are demonstrated. 

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Ed Classey on Building Drums

The first video in our five video series features Ed Classey walking the viewer through the construction of rope tension drums in the shop in his house. Mr. Classey covers the selection of wood stock for hoops and shells, and details the various tools and apparatus required to steam and form the counter hoops and shells, and final assembly and finishing of the drums. This is a rare look inside a drum makers studio.  

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Alfred “Duke” Terreri - A Remembrance

Alfred “Duke” Terreri - A Remembrance

Originally published in the Ancient Times, Vol 27 No. 1, Issue 103, Summer 2001 

By Mo Schoos

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