NAPOLEONIC DRUMMING

The drummers in the 79th, play drum scores accurate to the Napoleonic period. These scores were used to keep cadence on the march, and to relay the orders from the officers to the men, both in the camp, and on the battlefield. The drummers of the period were highly skilled members of the regiment, usually with one or more tasks to attend to. Not only did the drummers beat the men to quarters, pass the orders on the battlefield, and keep cadence. the drummers were also utilised to hand out the powder on the battlefield, and to act as stretcher bearers, a job that is still traditionally a musicians in the modern army.

For this end the drummers need to be highly visual so as to be identified easily in the confusion of battle. The drummers wear a tunic with reverse facings to the soldiers, with extra braiding on the back and chevrons on both arms (see pictures). After 1812 the drummers wore red jackets, but retained the chevrons.

Drumming was traditionally taught by "rote", that is to say is was taught by word of mouth and therefore there were no written scores. The music played by the drummers in the 79th and the British Napoleonic Association, was taught in this way by Joe Borda, an ex military drummer with many years experience.  Joe learned the drum scores whilst at the army school of music at Kneller Hall. However it is now believed that some of these drum scores are incorrect, as a drumming manual (the first of it's kind in the British Army) published in 1815 and written by Samuel Potter Drum major of the Coldstream Guards, has been presented to the leading drummer by a fellow re-enactor. The notation is different to modern drumming, but the basic exercises and rudiments are the same. What differs however are the drum scores. it is entirely possible that the scores differed from regiment to regiment, as scores do toady (each drum sergeant writes his own scores). But for historical accuracy it would be more appropriate to adopt the Samuel potter scores, which date accurately from our period. .

The drum itself is traditionally 16" across by 16" deep. However due to the impracticalities of obtaining drum skins of that size, 14"X16" drums are used instead. These are made of maple ply and lashed together with approximately 10 metres of rope. The drums are then tensioned by pulling down on leather ears called lugs. The skins are made of calf hide and are rimmed with maple. The front of the drum is then painted in the regimental facing colour and adorned with the regimental cipher. The drums are held to the drummer by a white leather drum sling which was traditionally worn around the neck, but due to modern health and safety concerns are lashed across the shoulder. This creates a good playing position for the drummer, allowing him to play with ease.

We are always looking for keen drummers, both those with the ability to play or those just willing to learn. Our leading drummer has 10 years of drumming and teaching experience and will be happy to teach from the ages of 11 upwards. If you are interested in drumming with the 79th or would just like more info then do not hesitate to email Ian on supersummerdrummer@tiscali.co.uk

ref: Potter. S (1815) The Art Of Beating The Drum, Board Of Ordnance, London

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