Over two hundred years ago military drummers on both sides of a conflict used their instruments to communicate in camp and on the field of battle. These signals were used for issuing duties and maneuvers. Here are a few common drum signals from the Revolutionary War. (Click on each audio link *mp3):
Samples provided by Dr. William E. White, Director, Educational Program Development, Department of Education Outreach, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
For more on this topic search “Drummer Boys”
