News

The Connecticut Blues Pay It Forward!

Details: Published: February 10 2019 February 10 2019

The Connecticut Blues Fife & Drum Corps have revived an old tradition of member corps volunteering for maintenance activities at the Museum of Fife and Drum. On February 10 the entire corps took on the cleaning activities and left the hall in great shape! The Blues didn’t stop there, though. They also rented the hall for a rehearsal immediately after!

President's Farewell Message

Details: Published: February 02 2019 February 02 2019

Dear Friends,

It’s hard to believe that four years and two administrations ago with me as Company President have come and gone.

1st Annual Juniors Jollification

Details: Published: January 21 2019 January 21 2019

On December 8th the first event sponsored by the recently reconvened Juniors committee took place at the Company Hall. The event was held following the Saybrook Torchlight parade and was intended to provide a junior-friendly environment to socialize and jam after the torchlight parade.

William Frank

Details: Published: January 20 2019 January 20 2019

William Noel Frank, 81, of Deep River passed away January 16, 2019 surrounded by his devoted family.

Carol Willey

Details: Published: January 17 2019 January 17 2019

Carol F. Willey, 87, of Slingerlands, passed away on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

Ron Choronzy

Details: Published: January 11 2019 January 11 2019

Ronald P. Choronzy of Branford died Tuesday January 8, 2019 at his home. He was the beloved husband of Michaele Haddon Choronzy.

Jam Session at the Museum of Fife & Drum

Details: Published: December 30 2018 December 30 2018

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.

Sonny Lyons Drumming

Details: Published: December 22 2018 December 22 2018

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.

2019 Annual Fundraising Drive

Details: Published: December 20 2018 December 20 2018

Happy Holidays!

My name is Kristen Livoti and would like to introduce myself as the Treasurer of The Company of Fifers & Drummers. I have been performing for over 30 years in the fife and drum community and have played with groups such as Nutmeg Volunteers, MCV, The Quahogs, and now with Grand Republic.

Joan White Donald

Details: Published: December 16 2018 December 16 2018

May 29, 1931 - December 6, 2018

Sons of the Whiskey Rebellion Rehearsal

Details: Published: December 16 2018 December 16 2018

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.

Ed Classey on Rudimental Drumming

Details: Published: December 08 2018 December 08 2018

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.

Ed Classey on Building Drums

Details: Published: November 30 2018 November 30 2018

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.

Donate with Amazon Smile

Details: Published: November 27 2018 November 27 2018

Did you know that you can donate to the Company of Fifers & Drummers, at no cost to you, when you shop at Amazon?

Nick Attanasio

Details: Published: November 21 2018 November 21 2018

Nicholas C. Attanasio, 96, of Main Street Lake Katrine, died Monday November 19, 2018 at the New Paltz Center for Rehabilitation in New Paltz. Born November 5, 1922 in Manhattan; he is the son of the late Clemente and Mary (McCann) Attanasio.

Joe Torrito

Details: Published: October 25 2018 October 25 2018

Joe Torrito passed away on September 27th at home in Mineola, NY, he was 94 years old. His passing highlights the diminishing ranks of those in drum corps who helped set the bar for what ‘ancient’ became starting in the 1950s.