Join Don Francisco as he discusses music in the 18th century, here and now and in between. He will explain how music was used throughout the day, from fife, drum and bugle calls to various tunes for marching, dancing, dining and social events. He will illustrate music in history, math, science, communication, and education through examples played on various flutes.
Don Francisco
Don Francisco is a History Interpreter and the Resident Fifer at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. He joined the U.S. Army in 1983 and graduated from the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, VA. He served with The 5th Infantry Division (Mech) Band in Fort Polk, LA; The 8th U S Army Band In Seoul, South Korea; and retired from active duty with The US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (formerly known as Fort Myer), Virginia. While on active duty, he attended Northern Virginia Community College, Washington Bible College, the University of Maryland, Northwestern State University of Louisiana and George Mason University pursuing studies in Music, Education, Public Relations and American History. He performs Gospel, Classical, Colonial, Jazz, Folk and a few standards on various flutes, fifes, penny whistles and panpipes. He also performs at schools, various local venues, assisted living and nursing homes.