Why Did They Use Drums In War

Posted by Mike Schumacher

This article will discuss why drummers were in the war and when drums were first used in warfare.

Although the first battle to have drums in it was likely the battle of Hastings in 1066, as this was the first time a European army used drums to march.

We know that the young William the Conqueror brought a golden bugle with him to the battle on horseback.

why did the use drums in war

This was the first time that this instrument was used in battle and it was likely that the men with this instrument served as the drummer.

Become a 'Drummer 4/4 Life' with our exclusive JA t-shirt!

Show your dedication to rhythm with our unique 'Drummer 4/4 Life' t-shirt. Proudly display a music staff with the 4/4 time signature, the heart of most popular music beats. This piece of Jam Addict attire not only makes a bold statement about your passion for drumming, but it also lets you be a part of the JA community, a team dedicated to fostering musicians for years.

Jam Addict T-Shirt

By the end of the 12th century, the drum began to evolve

white and brown drum with red strap

The drum had been used in the Middle Ages and it was carried with the soldiers to the battlefields.

However, by the 13th century, the drum began to take on a more active role in warfare.

The drum had become a part of the army hierarchy.

A drummer was placed in charge of training soldiers to march and perform military drills.

They also trained others in how to play the instrument.

Therefore, they were in charge of training other soldiers how to play the drums.

The first drummer to be in charge of a drum squad was the famous Robert de Tourville

He was a great military commander and later became Henry II’s adviser.

Robert de Tourville was credited with improving upon the drum and improved the shape and design of the drum.

He also reduced the amount of wood needed for each drum and used only oak to create his drum heads.

The Robert de Tourville drumheads also had a different sound.

Robert put a small brass bell on top of the drumhead to act as a tuning mechanism and the sound changed depending on the bell’s position.

The reason for Robert’s improvements to the drum is not certain. However, his improvements had an impact on the designs of all later military drums.

Later on, in 1295, drummers became eligible to become officers in the army and could use the title “drummer”

World War 1. Some Indian cavalry troopers preparing a meal

Some of these drummers were also trained to serve as ceremonial drummers.

However, not all drummers were officers. During the Italian Renaissance, many soldiers who performed ceremonial roles were drummers.

They were trained in the performance of the drums and were often given the name “Organs”, which means “drummer”.

The music played by these drummers was performed to honor the king and they accompanied the marching units as they marched down the street.

During the Spanish Inquisition, drummers had more significance.

These drummers carried a special instrument called the drum is known as the Taranto.

This was an oversized kettle drum used for an angry or thunderous beat. It could make an ear-piercing sound and be covered in cowhide.

The drum served as a symbol of authority and it was used to intimidate and show fear

As the drums were large and unwieldy, they were also used to intimidate and warn the people in the neighborhood that the Inquisition was coming.

Music was used to keep order and ensure that the public was comfortable. In the city of Acireale, on the island of Sicily, there are no streets where the Inquisition never stopped.

The drums served as a constant reminder to the public of what was going on.

The drums were also used for processions and celebrations. In some parts of Italy, these drums were played to commemorate successful wars.

They were used to celebrate victories while lamenting the losses suffered.

The drums also served as a great way to alert soldiers to nearby danger.

It was used to warn soldiers about when the enemy was near.

These drums were also used as funeral instruments

King George VI, Able Seaman David Ralph Goodwin, circa 1950

The drums would be played on the off-chance that someone had died in the military barracks. As well, drums were played at births and marriages to announce the news.

For the most part, the drums were played to convey messages. The best drums were also used to alert the soldiers to danger and the enemy.

Each military unit had its own drummers, which were trained to perform on the beat, at tempo, and on rhythm, to show discipline and training.

The military drummers were also vital to giving orders.

Drums were also used as battle music. In 1553, drums were used to rally troops during the Battle of Lepanto.

The drums were a welcome sign to the weary soldiers, especially the cavalry units, who were used to marching on their own.

Each military unit had its own drummers, which were trained to perform on the beat, at tempo, and on rhythm, to show discipline and training.

The best major modern drumlines in the world are:

Australia

The Adelaide Drum Corps, Australia.

The Drum Corps International contest is an international event that takes place every four years and is sanctioned by DCI.

Italy

Dante Alighieri, Italy

The Dante Alighieri Drum and Bugle Corps (DADCO), the oldest Drum and Bugle Corps in Italy, was formed in 1938.

The Dante Alighieri corps played its first show on June 9, 1939, in Mestre, a district of Milan.

envelope linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram