United Fifes and Drums
Greetings,
United Fifes and Drums mission is to offer youth discipline, structure and connection through music and cultural education with an emphasis on community performance and outreach.
United Fifes and Drums began in North Charleston, South Carolina with one enthusiastic young drummer named Omari and Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps alumni Daniel Scruggs. The two committed to weekly lessons on snare drum and marching drills, as well as African Djembe drum and drum set at a neighborhood community center. Two years of regular practice led to much community interest and the intermittent participation of many other young people in these traditional art forms. This growing interest has led to continuing group practices and the formation of United Fifes and Drums.
The Corps serves a diverse group of young people and offers an opportunity for growth, discipline, self-esteem, affirmation and connection that is lacking for many today. On-line videos of the new corps have gleaned over three thousand views, much positive feedback, support and encouragement.
Watch this short video introduction to learn more about United Fifes and Drums:
https://youtu.be/vUc2SeDcaBg
Here is a video of the kids practicing:
https://youtu.be/D9ivTijOpvM
We have intentions to grow and sustain the corps moving forward and welcome any support towards these goals, some of which are:
-10 Corps Members
-Four field snare drums, drum sticks + practice pads
-One bass drum
-Six fifes
-Uniforms
-Travel to Williamsburg, Virginia and Washington, DC for spring performances and learning
-Travel to New England for summer “muster” to meet other corps, perform and learn
-Regular travel and performance regionally for performance, educational opportunities and team building.
-Online and in-person clinics with advanced fifers and drummers from other corps and alumni.
Estimate of expenses needed - $10,000. Figure based on $1,000 per corps member needs of instrument, costume, materials.
On behalf of United Fifes and Drums, donations by check may be made to:
Gethsemani Circle of Friends
2449 Beacon Street
North Charleston, SC 29405
Gethsemani Circle of Friends is a local North Charleston charity (registered 501c3 nonprofit). All donations will go to United Fifes and Drums program and its mission.
For more information please contact Daniel Scruggs at (843)-718-5455
More information about Gethsemani Circle of Friends, Inc.: The mission of Gethsemani Circle of Friends is to positively impact children, families, and senior citizens by providing quality programs that enhance education, health, and well-being. In the United States, Gethsemani Circle of Friends serves as the nonprofit parent of Project OKURASE in Ghana and is working in concert with an NGO in Ghana to help a rural village build a school and medical centre