Ever since it was originally published in 1862, the Bruce & Emmett Drummers' and Fifer's Guide has been an indispensable reference for fifers and drummers who want to "do it right."

     George B. Bruce was the Drum Major and Principal Drum Instructor for the U.S. Army at the School of Practice on Governor's Island in New York Harbor.

     Daniel D. Emmett, the composer of "Dixie," was the Principal Fifer of the 6th Infantry, U.S. Army.

     Few, if any, would argue that B&E is one of the most valuable resources for fifers and drummers alike, regardless of period...American Revolution or Civil War.

     Please note: Some parties have insisted for quite some time that this book was in fact published late in the Civil War, in 1865, suggesting that it was too late to have played any important role in that conflict. John Carfizzi has provided me with the following reference from the Yale University library, which has an 1862 copy in their collection. The contents of the 1862 and 1865 editions are identical.

The drummer's and fifer's guide: or self-instructor; containing a plain and... Author: Bruce, George B. Title: The drummer’s and fifer’s guide: or self-instructor; containing a plain and easy introduction of the rudimental principles for the drum and fife; to which are added, marches, quicksteps, side-beats, troops, retreats, signals, calls, &c ... also, the duty for the garrison or camp ... as used in the U. S. Army, the drum major’s duty ... &c ... by George B. Bruce. Published: New York, Firth, Pond & co., 1862. Description: 96 p. 29 cm. Location: MUSIC LIBRARY, SML, Special Collections (Non-Circulating) Call Number: MT735 B886 D7+ Oversize Status: Not Checked Out Subjects (Library of Congress): Drum --Methods --Self-instruction. Fife --Methods --Self-instruction. Military music. Database: Yale University Library

To order one, click on the fife.