21st Annual Student Research Conference
The Visual and Musical History of Drum and Bugle Corps
Thomas J. Higgins
Prof. Shirley McKamie, Faculty Mentor
Watching drum and bugle corps perform is an exciting musical and visual experience. A drum and bugle corps is a marching ensemble made up of bell-front, valved brass instruments; various percussion instruments; and a color guard. Drums and bugles both have existed throughout time around the world. For example, there were bugle-like instruments that were used by the Greek and Roman militaries. Similarly, military drums have been in existence since the twelfth century. The first military ensembles consisting of just drums and bugles were started in the United States around the time of the Civil War, with civilian drum and bugle corps beginning to form just after World War I. Non-military drum and bugle corps have evolved immensely and now feature creative, modern choreography. With these and other changes, drum and bugle corps continue to be exciting to audiences around the world.
Keywords: Drum and Bugle Corps, percussion, bugles, brass, visual, marching, music, military
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 20-3
Location: OP 2117
Time: 10:15