Lone Star College-Montgomery’s historical marching band recognized for spirited performance

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Lord Stirling's Fifes & Drums, a historical music group comprised of Lone Star College-Montgomery students, received the President's Choice Award for the best overall representation of the parade theme and spirit at the 50th annual South County Fourth of July Parade through Market Street in The Woodlands.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Craig Livingston, Ph.D., LSC-Montgomery professor of History and director of Lord Stirling's Fifes & Drums. “The students felt like rockstars with 8,000 people lining the parade route, cheering and clapping. They were thrilled that all their hard work paid off.”

The group performed “Yankee Doodle” and “The Yellow Rose of Texas” on July 4 alongside marching bands, fire trucks and floats to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Participants’ uniforms were inspired by the Fourth Independent Company of Maryland State Troops from 1776, featuring iconic purple hunting shirts, brown leather belts, cocked tricorn hats and buckled shoes. Lord Stirling’s Fifes & Drums was named after William Alexander, a Continental Army officer in the Revolutionary War and George Washington’s close confidant.

Livingston has taught American and military history at LSC-Montgomery since 1995. In 2007, he secured a grant to purchase six fifes and four traditional rope-tension drums. He has taught students to march and play traditional tunes such as “The Road to Boston” and “Hell on the Wabash” ever since.

Lord Stirling's Fifes & Drums continues to maintain the musical heritage of 18th-century America, allowing students to add a unique experience to their resumes. The band has marched in about 10 Independence Day parades in The Woodlands over the past two decades and was named Most Patriotic in 2013. This year’s award came with a $250 cash prize, which will go toward ongoing uniform and equipment needs.

“Watching a fife and drum corps at George Washington’s home as a 6-year-old was my first gateway into the historical profession,” Livingston said. “I don’t think anything evokes American history better than a fife and drum corps.”

Learn more about opportunities to connect through clubs, organizations, sports, music, theater or fine arts at LoneStar.edu/Student-Life.