Colonial Williamsburg to present a weekend of military music for Drummer's Call, May 16 - 17

The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums Senior Corps performs near the
courthouse. (Brendan Sostak, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)

WILLIAMSBURG – The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums will convene alongside visiting fife and drum units to celebrate the tradition of military music during Drummer’s Call, May 16 – 17.

The annual event has been a mainstay of Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes & Drums program for nearly two decades, highlighting the nation’s military and musical heritage.

Drummer’s Call highlights music from various historical periods, including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the Civil War.

All Drummer’s Call events are free and open to the public.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m. with Successful Campaign. Traditional, patriotic military music will be performed by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums Senior Corps and the Middlesex County Volunteers at Charlton Stage.

The musical celebration continues on Saturday, May 17, from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. with Grand March and Review. The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums will lead visiting corps from the Capitol down Duke of Gloucester Street to Market Square. The musicians will gather behind the Courthouse, and each group will perform.

Drummer’s Call comes to a close at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, with the Williamsburg Military Tattoo. The torch-lit march down Duke of Gloucester Street will feature The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums, along with the visiting units.

Founded in 1958, the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums perform in the Historic Area from mid-February through December and during special programs observing major holidays or events. The group also performs in prestigious events outside of Williamsburg such as gubernatorial inaugurations, international military tattoos and parades such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums are comprised of youth from the local community aged 10–18. Students who are currently in 4th grade can apply for the fall 2025 recruit class if they reside in James City or York counties or the City of Williamsburg. Applications are due by May 31.