New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-10
THE MUSICIAN IN THE FIELD.
HE BECOMES A MEMBER OF THE HOS
PITAL CORPS.
THE CHIEF TRCMPETER ALONE REMAINS WITH
THE COMMANDING OFFICER

THE COMMANDING OFFICER.
Among The stories which belong 10 war times
OF long ago are the various deeds OF the bands,
and many persons have been thrilled by the ac-
counts o. historians who described the REFORM
ing OF wavering columns when the band played
the National anthem. The band on board the
German man-of-war which played Hell dir i'm
Siegerkranz" while the ship vas sinking in the
Bay OF Apia and the piper who played to en-
courage his comrades after his legs had been
shot through are performances OF comparatively
recent date The war in Cuba has already con-
trihuted It's story Of that kind for General SHAFT
ter in one OF his reports mentions the fact that
a band played THE Star Spangled Banner" and
that there was cheering and singing all along
the line. Everybody knows that music is con-
sicered a necessary factor in the Army. and
still the question is asked frequently: What
does tho musician do in the Geld?'
While the body to which the band is attached
is stationed in camp there is ample work for the
musicians. There is music in the morning and al
parade time, there are concerts and serenaGes,
and when the commanding officer has distiu-
gushed visitors the show piece in the shape Of
the resiInenta band is brought cut. IN actual
campaign service the band is less useful. It's
members are detailed 70 the hospital corps when
engagements take place and they be come litter
bearers
There are many military organizations with
out bands but all have what is known as field
music, namely. drums, flies and bugles. The
duties OF the field musician are like those q
the band. According 10 the new regulations
each company of infantry has two musicians,
or tweniy-four for a regiment. In addition 10
these there is chief musician or drum-Ina jOr
and chief trumpeter. The field music sounds
every cal! from reveille TO taps. Call for meals.
police call, drill call, recall doctors call school
call. guard mount. troop, officers call. non-com-
missiOned officers call, general call. evening pa
rade, retreat. tattoo and call to quarters are
among the calls which are sounded by the field
music from the color line
In action the Geld musicians become members
Of the hospital corps. all except the CHIEF
trumpeter. He is In constant attendance on the
Commanding officer and gives the bugle calls
for N, commanders orders. There is note or
combination Of notes for every command. and a
moment after the colonel has spoken the word
halt. march FIRE" double time or what
ever command he may wish 10 give TO his men,
it is transmitted by the trumpeter
There was a time said old field musician.
when drums were used In similar way. but
ball through a drumheaG spoiled the game"
But would not ball through a trumpeier's
head have the same elect was asked.
no. There are always men 20 take the place
Of trumpeier II he should fall. Most of The
pictures which W. see representing our troops
marching show drums and hfes al the head II
the column That is all wrong because when
men march on roads such those ~ Cuba they
are allowed t. % as they please To keep step
under those conditions would be killing There
a'e times when on long marches the field music
plays occasionally jus, to put little ginger INTO
the men. but ); is not the regular thing to do
some regiments have. by special permission.
luglo corps. The hugiers in those regiments Ier-
form the same duties rs the drummers IN other
regiments sound calls IN camp or on march and
assist IN the medical department in action.