From the February 9, 2012 edition of The Wayne Herald
Old Guard Fife and Fum Corps to be in Wayne Monday
Wayne State College will host the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps on Monday, Feb. 13 for a concert at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Wayne.
Led by Chief Warrant Officer Frederick Ellwein, a South Dakota native, one of the U.S. Military's premier bands comes to South Dakota and Nebraska to present their lecture-recital series on the "Traditions of Military Field Music" from Feb. 9-13.
Dating back to our nation's formation more than 236 years ago, the sounds of the fife, bugles and drums moved American soldiers across the battlefield as they forged our freedom. Carrying on this tradition of early-American field music today, The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps performs for millions annually while playing on parade or the South Lawn of the White House.
From Feb. 9-13, The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps will bring these traditions to Brookings, S.D., Vermillion, S.D., and Wayne. Commanded by Chief Warrant Frederick Ellwein, a Sioux Falls native, the Soldiers of the Fife and Drum Corps will present a unique lecture-recital series at South Dakota State University, the University of South Dakota and Our Savior Lutheran Church in Wayne. Ellwein, having taught music and directed bands throughout South Dakota, has returned to his homestate to lead this group of modern Army soldier-musicians.
As one of the Army's premier musical ensembles, The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is charged with maintaining the Nation's rich traditions of martial music. The Corps' recital series aims to teach this great history to the next generation of Americans.
