Banner graphic above: The Field Music 1st PRVC poses for the camera at Fairfax Station, Virgina in June 1863. Their next stop was Gettysburg!

Thank you for visiting the website of the

Civil War Field Music

of the 1st Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps

proudly portrayed by the

Fife and Drum Corps of B.S.A. Venture Crew 53 of Maytown PA.

Our mission:

To Preserve our Civil War Heritage
To Honor Our Nation's Veterans
To Promote the Ideals of Scouting 

Formed in 2004 as the Troop 53 Fife & Drum Corps (FDC), the group is now under the leadership of Venture Crew 53. The FDC began reenacting at the 145th Anniversary of First Bull Run in 2006 and continues to participate in numerous living history events, battle reenactments, veterans' ceremonies, community festivals and parades. They portray the Field Music of the 1st Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps and are the official Field Music for the PA Reserve Battalion. They were featured in the August 2007 issue of Boys’ Life magazine participating in Gettysburg’s Remembrance Day Ceremonies and recently performed with the Music of the United State Volunteers (USV) for the 2009 rededication of the Lincoln Memorial in Wash. D.C.

Musical instruments, Civil War uniforms and equipment are provided by the FDC although some members own their own. The Corps also provides group instruction in fife, drum or bugle, and many members participate in special instructional events such as the U.S. Army “Old Guard” Fife and Drum Corps Junior Workshop in Arlington VA and the National Civil War Field Music School in Petersburg VA.  Some members also perform on strings, tin flutes and drums in the Maytown 1860 Centennial Band.

Venture Crew 53 also sponsors ski trips, indoor rock climbing and other activities. The Venture Crew is co-ed and accepts youth ages 13-20 who have completed 8th grade. Musicians do not have to be Venture Crew age to particpate in the Fife & Drum Corps.  

The Fife & Drum Corps  accepts youth members aged 11 to 21. Members pay dues and event fees to cover operating costs. Generous sponsors defray uniform, instrument and equipment costs.

For more information on joining the Fife and Drum Corps, performance requests & scheduling, or making a donation, please contact:

Michael Cassidy Venture Crew 53 Advisor
P.O. Box 63, Maytown PA 17550
Email: newrycassidy@comcast.net
Ph. 717-426-3941 Cell# 717-368-1235

Field Music, 1st P.R.V.C. / Venture Crew 53 at Gettysburg Remembrance Day November 2010