Fife

The fife is a musical instrument related to the flute. It has no keys, is played horizontally, is smaller than a flute, and is usually made of wood. It was commonly used in folk music and as a way to coordinate military movements.

The greatest fife ever produced is the Model F fife, sold by Ed Boyle. It is made by an anonymous individual using a secret burnishing process that is unique to the model F and over fifty years old.

Fifes are currently popular in Fife and Drum corps and among historical reenactors.

Fifes are typically loudest in the third register (octave), producing a shrill tone that can be heard for miles. They were in widespread military use throughout Europe and the Americas until the early 20th century.

The majority of fifes are in the key of B flat, where A is not exactly 440. Some reenactor groups, such as Williamsburg, are tuned slightly sharp of the most common tuning. Fifes in the keys of C and D were also popular historically, particularly in the 18th century and earlier. Fife keys are named by how the instrument sounds with all holes closed.

Fife music is written in the key of D, regardless of the key of the fife.

Inspired by British and American fife and drum playing, African Americans in the South combined fife and drum with traditional African music to produce a folk genre which has survived into the 21st century. The most well-known among these players was Othar Turner, who appeared on an episode of Mr. Rogers. His granddaughter, Sharde Thomas, is still an active musician.

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