Learning History through Music

The Middlesex County 4-H Fife & Drum Corps (MC4HFD) is the original junior level fife and drum corps of Massachusetts, formed in 1972, and consistently performing ever since. The fife and drum corps is a current 4-H club within the University of Massachusetts Extension youth program, which makes it unique in both its leadership and operation. There is an experienced team of instructors, as well as very strong parent involvement, but it is the youth within the corps that decide on music to be performed, events for the season, and their levels of involvement within the group. All members share a love of music and history, and are proud to continue the tradition of fife and drum, by first learning and then teaching the next group of recruits. The corps participates in parades and civic ceremonies each year, including the re-enactment of the Boston Tea Party in December, the Veteran’s Day Flag Retirement Ceremony at the famed Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and for over 30 years, the Middlesex County 4-H Fifes & Drum Corps have been the Honor Corps for the Concord Patriots’ Day parade, saluting each group as they proceed over the historic North Bridge to commemorate the start of the American Revolution.

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