Field Drums (a/k/a Field of Drums): Charles W. Dickerson Fife, Drum & Bugle Corps of New Rochelle, New York

(Summary by Perplexity.AI)

The Charles W. Dickerson Fife, Drum & Bugle Corps is a historic musical group based in New Rochelle, New York. It is notable for being one of the few all-Black fife and drum corps in the United States, with a rich history that spans several generations.

Origins and History

- Formation: The corps was initially formed in 1929 as a drum corps and color guard for a Boy Scout troop in a predominantly Black neighborhood in New Rochelle. This troop, known as Troop 16, was created in 1928, and the drum corps was established the following year to participate in the town's Memorial Day parade [4].

- Naming: In 1949, the corps was named after Charles W. Dickerson, a member who was killed in World War II. Prior to that, it was simply referred to as "the corps" [4].

- Evolution: Over the years, the corps evolved from its Boy Scout origins to become an independent, nonprofit organization. It has been sponsored by various local organizations, including a Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter [4].

Musical Style and Performances

- Instruments: The corps uses a combination of fifes, valveless bugles, field drums, and bass drums. This unique blend gives them a distinctive sound that is described as a mix of ancient and modern styles [1] [4].

- Repertoire: Their music includes traditional field music, Revolutionary marching airs, and adaptations of 1940s pop tunes. They also perform original compositions by members of the corps [4].

- Performances: The corps has performed at musters and parades across the United States and internationally, including trips to Hawaii and Ireland. They are known for their vibrant performances and have participated in various community and cultural events [4].

Cultural and Community Impact

- Community Role: The corps plays a significant role in fostering a sense of community and continuity across generations. Many members have been part of the group since childhood, and it is common for families to have multiple generations involved [4].

- Exhibitions and Recognition: The corps was recently honored with an exhibit at the New Rochelle Public Library, titled "We’ve Come a Long Way Together: The Charles W. Dickerson Fife, Drum & Bugle Corps." This exhibit included narratives, images, sounds, and artifacts that highlighted the corps' history and contributions [2] [3].

Significance

The Charles W. Dickerson Fife, Drum & Bugle Corps stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of African American musical traditions and community spirit. It continues to be a source of pride and cultural heritage for New Rochelle and beyond.

Citations:

[1] https://www.charleswdickerson.org

[2] https://companyoffifeanddrum.org/news/special-events/dickerson-reception-report

[3] https://companyoffifeanddrum.org/news/dickerson-reception

[4] https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/05/nyregion/fife-and-drum-corps-spans-generations.html

[5] https://companyoffifeanddrum.org/images/Members/AT-Past-Issues/Vol6/Vol-6-No-4-September-1979.pdf

[6] https://www.charleswdickerson.org

[7] https://www.charleswdickerson.org/about-us-our-story

Additional Sources:

1. https://www.charleswdickerson.org/
2. https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/new-rochelle/2020/02/21/all-black-fife-drum-and-bugle-corps-new-rochelle-trailblazer/4819763002/
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsPcZ5g-Xvw
4. https://companyoffifeanddrum.org/news/dickerson-reception
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q1ZVAh4jI4
6. https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/05/nyregion/fife-and-drum-corps-spans-generations.html
7. https://soundcloud.com/nrpl/sets/charles-w-dickerson-fife-drum-bugle-corp-60-years-1929-1989
8. https://soundcloud.com/nrpl/06-walking-with-doodles?in=nrpl/sets/charles-w-dickerson-fife-drum-bugle-corp-60-years-1929-1989
9. https://www.facebook.com/NRPublicLibrary/videos/180021579966114/
10. https://www.bcc.cuny.edu/robert-wechslers-exhibit-at-new-rochelle-public-library/
11. https://www.nytimes.com/1989/09/19/nyregion/our-towns-to-drum-corps-a-drill-is-serious-and-color-blind.html
12. https://nrpl.org/research-and-learning/new-rochelle-history/
13. https://www.facebook.com/companyfifersdrummers/posts/exciting-news-one-of-founding-corps-of-the-company-of-fifers-drummers-the-charle/10156841562886892/