and now for something utterly useless . . .

Fifes are an ancient instrument, referred to in Europe as the "Schweizerpfeife", or Swiss flute. They have been in use by military units since the 16th century. Fifes originally provided music for armies on the march, usually some old familiar songs from the soldier-boys home.

(probably not "Lili Marlene", more probably "Yankee Doodle" or some such)

A Fife, by the way (in case you're curious) is a woodwind instrument in the transverse flute family which sounds an octave above the written music and has 6 tone holes, some have up to 11 holes for added chromatics. Most fifes are made from wood - grenadilla, rosewood, mopane, and assorted other dense woods, those being considered "superior"; of course some "inferior" woods like maple and persimmon are often used. Not sure if by choice or cost, but then . . .

Anyway, back in the day (?) it was sort of customary for each company of 100 or so men, in a military unit, to be assigned 2 fifers (and a like number of drummers) to sound signals, hours and alarms, as well as - their mundane duty of - playing 'popular' music while on the march.

This particular pattern was practiced in the U.S. military from the Revolutionary War 'till the late 19th Century. When a Regiment or Battalion gathered together, customarily they'd assemble the fifes (and drums) from all the companies and form a 'band' to march at the head of the column on parade.

Now then, today, The "Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps" is the only unit of its kind in the U. S. armed forces, and is part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment. The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is currently stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia.

The members of the "Old Guard" recall the days of the American Revolution as they perform in uniforms similar to those worn by the musicians of General George Washington's Continental Army.

Military musicians of that period (the American Revolution) wore the reverse colors of the regiments to which they were assigned. The uniforms currently worn by the members of the "Old Guard" are dated circa 1784, and consist of black tricorn hats, white wigs, waistcoats, colonial coveralls, and distinct red regimental coats.

So, whether you wanted to (and I highly doubt you did) or not (and I believe you really never gave it much thought) now you know a bit more about the "military" significance (and history) of the fife.

Sad I know

Moving on . . .

The above photo of the fife player was taken in the lobby of the bank yesterday whilst She was exchanging dollars for pounds sterling.