During battle, field musicians relayed orders from commanding officers.  Musicians also provided evening entertainment for their companions and at dances.

Musicians who played or practiced at the wrong times got into trouble.

Their uniforms are those of the Virginia State Garrison Regiment, which was authorized in 1778 during the Revolution.

Though sometimes mistaken for British uniforms because of their red coats with blue trim, musicians of 18th-century regiments wore colors that were the reverse of those worn by soldiers so they could be  identified.  

The Fifes and Drums can be seen almost daily in Colonial Williamsburg today. Founded in 1958, the Fifes and Drums includes boys and girls ages 10-18.  Nearly 80 teens perform as members of two units. The Fifes and Drums perform at Colonial Williamsburg nearly 500 times yearly.