Holiday Fifing

In his orders to his army during the American Revolution on June 4, 1777, George Washington complained that the "music of the army [was] in general very bad." 

Noting that "Nothing is more agreeable, and ornamental, than good music," Washington directed that "every officer, for the credit of his corps, should take care to provide it." Even during the Revolutionary War, the issue of music was on George Washington's mind.

A Salute to the General

On February 22, during the bitter Valley Forge winter of 1778, the musicians of Proctor's Artillery surprised their Commander in Chief with a birthday serenade outside his headquarters.

Washington rewarded the fifers and drummers with a gift of one pound and ten shillings. He acknowledged the fortitude of the musicians who would perform, without orders, in the subfreezing temperatures.