LEXINGTON, Va., June 14, 2025—Virginia Military Institute will host the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps, an all-youth band from Plymouth, Michigan, who will perform 18th and 19th century fife and drum music, while demonstrating marching and color guard maneuvers, Saturday, July 12 at 10:30 a.m. on the Parade Ground. The event is free and open to the public.

Founded in 1971, the corps wears 1783 period replica uniforms of George Washington’s Life Guards, and carry replica 18th century period muskets and sabers. In addition to VMI, they will perform at Monticello, Poplar Forest, Yorktown, Mount Vernon, and will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, as part of their Virginia tour.

The Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps performs in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (L) and stands proudly at the base of the Statue of Liberty. (R)—Photos courtesy of the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps.

VMI alumnus, Dr. Rodney Daniels ’99, current vice president and equipment manager for the corps, has been involved for seven years and has three children who are members. He said he is especially looking forward to being on post again. “Living in Michigan, I don’t have many opportunities to travel through the Shenandoah Valley.”

The group has performed all over the country including Independence Hall, Mount Rushmore, the Statue of Liberty, and aboard the USS Constitution. It is governed by an administrative board which serves collectively as its leadership, along with a music director and a group of drum, fife, and color guard instructors.

Additional information about the Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps is available on the group's website.

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE