Young Musician Group to Take Part in Memorial Day Parade, Seeks Members

The Middlesex County 4-H Fife and Drum Corps was founded in 1972 in order to pass on New England’s fife and drum tradition to young musicians. The group’s repertoire consists of fife and drum music dating from the American Colonial Period to modern pieces written in the traditional style. Comprised of youth aged 8 to 18, the corps is led by its members, who elect their leaders and determine their own events and repertoire each season. The corps performs in parades and at historical commemorations throughout New England during the year. April and May are busy months with several upcoming events: 

Saturday, April 19: Concord Patriot’s Day Parade. This event includes a parade through Concord, MA and a ceremony at North Bridge. The parade steps off at 8:30 a.m. 

Sunday, April 27: Lincoln Salute. This is a “Muster” where fife & drum groups from all over New England come to perform. The event takes place at Pierce Park, 17 Weston Road, Lincoln, MA and starts at 1 p.m. 

Saturday, May 3: William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps’ Muster. This event includes a brief parade and performances of fife and drum corps and marching units. There will also be colonial crafts people displaying their wares. Activities begin at 12 p.m. at Hastings Park, Lexington, MA. 

Sunday, May 18: Bellingham Memorial Day Parade. The parade steps off at 1 p.m. from the Bellingham Memorial Middle School and ends at the Town Common. 

Monday, May 26: Andover Memorial Day Parade. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. from the intersection of Elm Street and Florence Street. 

The corps provides music lessons during weekly Sunday afternoon rehearsals at Bemis Hall, 15 Bedford Road, Lincoln, Mass.

The corps is happy to welcome anyone, including those who do not yet play an instrument. Instruments, instruction and most uniform parts are provided without charge. The participation fee is just $40 per year. For more information, reach out at [email protected] or mc4hfd.org.