On May 4, thirty fife and drum corps from around the Northeast will congregate in Hastings Park in Lexington, Mass., for the Annual Muster of the William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps of Lexington.
On Muster Day, the same drumbeats and fife strains can be heard that coordinated the movements and lifted the morale of both the Patriots and the British at the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Dressed in authentic period uniforms and attire, each corps marches onto the field and delivers a performance of 18th century military and popular music, including the iconic "Yankee Doodle."
The site of the Muster is a short walk from Lexington's Battle Green, Visitors Center and historic house museums.
In fife and drum muster tradition, each corps is presented with a commemorative ribbon following their performance. Food trucks and vendors will be available, as well as a bake sale.
On May 3, the night before the Muster, the William Diamond Juniors and three other chosen fife corps will assemble in Lexington at 6:30 pm for a short march to the historic Battle Green for an evening of music called a Tattoo. Traditionally, the term referred to a call to quarters issued before taps. The Tattoo performance, featuring jaunty period tunes that were played in military encampments to entertain the troops, takes place against the backdrop of Buckman Tavern, where the militia awaited the British in the early hours of the morning of "the shot heard round the world."
Everyone is welcome at the performances and events, which run on Friday from 6:30 pm to approximately 8:00 pm, and on Saturday from noon to 5:00 pm. There is no admission charge.
