Mary Johnson Photo
Would you like to be a fifer … or a drummer?
If you’ve ever enjoyed a spirited performance by the Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps and thought, “I could do that,” this is your chance to learn the possibilities.
Mary Johnson Photo
The Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps is holding an Open House Thursday June 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Seaside Hall, 215 Thimble Islands Road in Stony Creek. The all-volunteer organization is looking for new members to join its ranks, and will be discussing all aspects of fife and drum performances.
“Finding new members is our primary goal,” said Ken Avery, a third-generation member of the corps. “But this will also give people an opportunity to see the building.”
Seaside Hall is the practice site for both the all-male Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps, and also for the all-female Totoket Ancient Fife and Drum Corps.
The Stony Creek Fife and Drummers practice every Thursday night, and often march down to the dock to perform during the summer when the weather cooperates.
Mary Johnson Photo
Avery is also excited about another upcoming event. On Aug. 20, the Stony Creek corps will host an International Fife and Drum Concert at Madeira Park in Stony Creek. Participants include the St. Mary’s Prize Fife and Drum Band from Limerick, Ireland; the Totoket Ancient Fife and Drum Corps; and the St. Mary School Fife and Drum Corps from Branford.
New Musicians Needed
Avery said the Stony Creek corps has about 20 active members who participate in most events. But the entire membership includes an additional 25 members, many of whom have retired from active performances. The oldest member is 86. Avery said some members who live in Florida return to Stony Creek to perform once a year.
The corps is a non-profit organization and there are no membership fees.
Instruction for prospective members will be offered on the fife, snare drum and bass drum and on becoming a color guard. No previous experience is necessary. “We just ask for your time and dedication in helping us to continue the long history and tradition of American martial and patriotic music,” the corps says in its flyer for the Open House.
Musical History
Avery, who plays a brass drum made in 1874, says the corps is known for its music, its history and its camaraderie.
The Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps was founded in 1886 at a blacksmith shop near Seaside Hall. Their first performance was in 1887 at the dedication of the Soldier’s Monument at New Haven’s East Rock.
Most performances are local and statewide, but they have a storied history of national performances as well. They performed at the inaugural parade in Washington D.C. for President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1957; and at the World Fair in New York City in 1963. On the international scale, the group has performed at parades and competitions in Ireland
Seaside Hall
The corps purchased Seaside Hall in 1936. The building was originally a roller skating rink built by Willoughby Wallace in 1875. It once served as union headquarters for the Stony Creek Granite Workers. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
About 10years ago, the corps began an extensive restoration project to upgrade Seaside Hall. The building was elevated about 2 feet to prevent further flood damage during storms and high tides.
Avery said the corps is currently in phase three of the restoration project. “It’s a gradual process,” he said.
Donations to aid the corps can be made to Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps, PO Box 1886, Stony Creek, CT 06405. Donations may be marked Building Fund.
For more information on the corps and Seaside Hall, see the web site at stonycreekdrumcorps.org; or call Ken Avery at 860 – 790-0654.
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The Stony Creek Fife & Drum Corps has a long proud history as stated above. On October 16, 1993 at the rededication of the Firemen's Monument at Evergreen Cemetery in New Haven they had a prominent role in leading the large New Haven Fire Department delegation in its march to the monument that was originally dedicated on July 9, 1877 in a similar fashion. The cemetery site is owned by the Firemen's Benevolent Association of New Haven and following the program a comment was made by a renowned local historian that it was the most authenticated rededication he had ever seen. Another feather in the hat for Stony Creek for the role they played.