FIELD MUSIC UNIT
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At Valley Forge, Field Music forms its own
"company" or unit, and its members live together in the same barracks and with
the same tactical officer. Members of the all-volunteer organization range in age from 14
to 20 years. |
 Valley
Forge upholds the Field Music tradition, which is older than American patriotism.
Throughout history, soldiers have used music to communicate with one another.
At Valley Forge, the Field Music Unit has
inherited the traditions of the Drum and Bugle Corps. The oldest elements are found
in drum beats, with certain rhythmic patterns signifying a particular command. Later, with
the introduction of brass instruments, especially the trumpet and bugle, more precise
communiqués could be delivered....It is the bugle that tells the soldier to get up in the
morning, to "charge" into battle, or to lower the colors. At a day's end,
it is the familiar sound of Taps that tells the soldier his day is done.
 The school's Field Music
Unit has made numerous appearances throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and has served
as the official honor guard for the City of Philadelphia in the welcoming of visiting
leaders and dignitaries.
Although the Field Music Unit presents no
concerts,
it does play regularly for parades and formations both on- and off-campus. Its
repertoire includes such traditional Drum and Bugle Corps songs as Black Jack, Roll
Off, Sabres and Spurs, and Semper Fidelis.
Listen to a
clip of the Field Music Unit performing at our Military Tattoo.
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With Field Music, cadets are able to become
competent musicians within a short amount of time and contribute their talents to this
gifted unit. If you like music, teamwork, and a wide range of activities, Field Music is
for you!
VFMA&C
Director of Field Music:
CW4 Paul Clark, USA (Ret)
Phone: (610) 989-1276
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