CYMS Fife and Drums

The Central York Middle School "Colonial Fife & Drum Corps" consists of approximately 35 students in grades 7 & 8.

The corps was formed in 1971 by then band director Ken Matthews as a prelude to the American Bicentennial in 1976. The corps is directed now by current band director Rick Worley, who began his tenure in 2003 when Mr. Matthews retired. The Central York Middle School fifes and drums exist as one of the only fife and drum corps in America which is part of a public school music program. The CYMS fifes & drums perform music which was typical of fife and drum corps in England and the American colonies during the 18th century. The corps uses 6 hole persimmon (wood) fifes and rope tension drums, and generally carries a color guard as well when in parades.

This group is active the central Pennsylvania area performing in various parades, civic events, and reenactments. The corps has performed in Colonial Williamsburg with the Williamsburg Fifes and Drums (pictured above right), as well as in major cities on the east coast including Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, Richmond, as well as internationally in Montreal, Canada. The CYMS Fifes and Drums have also participated in several Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Inaugurations, and has appeared in the Penn State University Homecoming Parade in State College, PA. The corps has performed in New York City's famed Lincoln Center (pictured above left) and on the USS Intrepid in New York City. The corps has also represented York area Lions clubs in their state and international convention parades, the Tall Cedars in their national conventions and also provides opening ceremonies for local civic and governmental events.

The Central York Middle School Colonial Fife and Drum Corps uses Cooperman Fifes and Drums. and wears uniform parts from the Jas. Townsend Company and Double Time Band Accessories.

Uniform Care Guidelines
50th Anniversary 1971-2021

Uniform Care Guidelines

Central York Middle School Colonial Fife and Drum Corps

Uniform Guidelines and Care

Wash pants and white uniform shirt in cold water as needed – hang dry only

DRY CLEANING IS PREFERABLE.

When not being worn, ALL uniform parts should be kept ON hangars at all times, in a cool dry place, out of sunlight - in their bag on the rack, or in your closet, ON A HANGAR!!!!!!!!

Only PANTS may go home with the students. Everything else stays at school.

Each student is issued an official white t-shirt. This is part of the uniform and should be worn for ALL performances unless otherwise specified.

Official black marching shoes only.

Each student will also be issued a pair of white tights or socks. THE ISSUED SOCKS are the only acceptable leg wear to be worn, other than plain white foot socks under the outer garment. Only foot socks may be worn under the socks – no ankle socks or knee length socks. Only white socks, no logos – Nike, Addidas, etc.

Hair should be pulled back and tied in a loose ponytail at the base of the neck with black ribbon. The corps will supply black ribbon. Bangs should be tucked under the front of the hat.

NO jewelry. Stud earrings only. No watches, bracelets (esp. vinyl/rubber bracelets), big rings, etc. Likewise, only minimal makeup should be worn to portray as much historical accuracy as possible.

Do not sit on concrete, asphalt, or wet grassy areas while in uniform. These areas will damage or stain the uniform pants.

Keep track of your uniform parts. Each has a number which is recorded at the time of issue. You will be charged for any missing uniform parts.

50th Anniversary 1971-2021

The Central York Middle School Fife and Drum Corps is celebrating its 50th anniversary season during the 2021-2022 school year. The corps was founded in September 1971 by CYMS Band Director Ken Matthews and has been going strong ever since. In the last 40 years, the CYMS Fifes and Drums have been a musical ambassador for the Central York community as well as the greater York Community having traveled and performed in famous venues such as New York City’s Lincoln Center, Fort Ticonderoga, Philadelphia’s Independence National Park, and Colonial Williamsburg.

The Corps is planning to host a 50th Anniversary Muster in downtown York PA and People's Bank Stadium October 2, 2021! Please see the official muster website for more information, or to register, or purchase merchandise!!!

1st Capital Fife & Drum Muster Website

1st Capital Fife & Drum Muster Facebook Page

Please contact Rick Worley, CYMS Band director, at 846-6789 ext. 1621 or rworley@cysd.k12.pa.us for more information.

CONTACT

Mr. Worley
Band Director
rworley@cysd.k12.pa.us
717-846-6789, ext. 1621

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