Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps is one of four premier musical organizations of the United States Army . Members perform using musical instruments and wearing uniforms similar to those used by military musicians of the Continental Army during the American Revolution . It is the only unit of its kind in the United States ' armed forces , and is part of the 3rd U . S . Infantry ( " The Old Guard " ) . The Fife and Drum Corps has been stationed at Fort Myer , Virginia , since its founding on February 23 , 1960 . Musicians . The musicians of this unit recall the days of the American Revolution as they perform in uniforms patterned after those worn by the musicians of Gen . George Washington ' s Continental Army . Military musicians of the period wore the reverse colors of the regiments to which they were assigned . The uniforms worn by the members of the Corps are dated circa 1781 , and consist of black tricorn hats , white wigs , waistcoats , colonial coveralls , and red regimental coats . The 69 - member Corps uses 10 - hole fifes , handmade rope - tensioned drums and single - valve bugles , which bring to life the exciting sounds of the continental army . The Fife and Drum Corps also features two Baroque Ensembles ; specialty groups that revive the sounds of period flute and trumpet music at official ceremonies , special events and professional venues . As an official representative of the U . S . Army , the Corps averages approximately 500 performances annually . The Corps has entertained millions of people in major parades , pageants and historical celebrations throughout the United States ; and has served America as a goodwill ambassador as far away as Europe , Australia and Canada . Major sporting events the Corps has performed at include NCAA bowl games , NBA games , NFL games including Super Bowl XVI , the Kentucky Derby , the Indianapolis 500 , and the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid NY . Drum Major . The drum major of the unit is distinguished from the other musicians by his headgear , the light - infantry Cap . In contrast to modern Army bands , and as an indication of prominence , he carries an espontoon instead of the standard mace . The espontoon is an 18th century weapon carried by officers . However , it is used by the drum major to issue silent commands to the Corps . Performances . As an official representative of the U . S . Army , the Corps averages over 500 performances annually . The Corps has entertained millions of people in major parades , pageants and historical celebrations throughout the United States ; and has served America as a goodwill ambassador as far away as Europe , Australia and Canada . Major sporting events the Corps has performed at include NCAA bowl games , NBA games , NFL games ( including Super Bowls ) , the Kentucky Derby , the Indianapolis 500 , and the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid , New York . In support of the President of the United States , the Corps performs at armed forces arrival ceremonies for visiting dignitaries and heads of state at the White House , and has participated in every Presidential inaugural parade since President John F . Kennedy ' s in 1961 ( as well as his funeral ) . Today both men and women are members of the unit .