Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife & Drum Corps

The Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife & Drum Corps is a nonprofit corporation. Our mission is to the preservation of American History through the presentation of historical music and education and perpetuation of the history of the British Raid on Essex Connecticut during the War of 1812. The Sailing Masters roots go back to the Comstock Fife & Drum Corps from the 1890s to the early 20th century. In 1963 the corps re-organized as the Essex Fife & Drum Corps, Sailing Masters of 1812. Our uniform is a replica of the Navy’s Third Officer’s uniform (Sailing Master) worn during the War of 1812. The uniform was chosen because of Essex’s deep and rich naval connection to the War of 1812. Sailing Masters’ Music & Events The Sailing Masters perform primarily in Connecticut. However, we have the opportunity each year to travel throughout New England during “parade season” in concerts, parades and ancient musters. Our most notable events of the season are: The Deep River Ancient Muster and Westbrook Muster in Connecticut, Windjammer’s Day in Boothbay Harbor, Maine and the Battle of Plattsburgh Celebration, Plattsburgh, New York. Our Music is the history of the United States and is in the “ancient” fife and drum Style. The Corps has an extensive musical repertoire that is expressed in this style. The Corps plays all types of period music, including and not limited to, jigs, reels, songs of the sea & heartstirring patriotic music.