rope-tension wooden drums with leather ears
campers lined up in front of star fort with flag flying above
Fife and Drum Camp members posing on bastion.
Fife and drum corps members gathered on water battery

War of 1812 Fife & Drum Camp

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Special Event
  • Jun 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM
  • Free

Register

To participate in the Fort McHenry War of 1812 Fife and Drum School, applications and registration must be completed online or mailed/emailed before Sunday, May 24, 2025. Ages 11 & up. There is no fee required. Acceptance into the school will be acknowledged via e-mail.

Join us this summer for our War of 1812 Fife and Drum Music Camp!

Since its beginning in 2013, over 700 students have taken their first steps as musicians on the parade ground of Fort McHenry. Join us for a fun and educational experience that students will long remember.

Schedule

The camp will be held from Wednesday June 18th through Saturday June 21st 9:00 a.m. until 4:00p.m. Students will meet park staff for daily check-in at a large tent outside of the historic star fort. Students will then engage in four action-packed days. The week culminates with an 1812 Music Spectacular. Students will form their own Corps and display their accomplishments in a performance for the general public.

Activities

  • Raise the Star-Spangled Banner over the fort!
  • March to parade ground for roll call and inspection.
  • Musical training and workshops with professional instructors.
  • Military drill and marching.
  • Learn about the lives and work of musicians, soldiers, and sailors at Fort McHenry during the War of 1812!
  • Public musical performance on historic parade ground.

Materials

Instructors will supply students with:

  • Camp shirt
  • Bag for sheet music and fife or drumsticks
  • Water bottle

Students should bring the following:

  • Comfortable footwear
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses (optional)
  • Sunscreen
  • Boxed lunch in cool packs

 

More information

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Schedule

Date:

Jun 18, 2025

Time:

9:00 AM

Duration:

7 hours

Contact Information

Tim Ertel

Contact Us

Event Type

  • Children’s Program
  • Living History
  • Other
  • Performance
Tags: arts, summer camp, music, living history, education, youth