What was the life of a drummer boy in the Civil War like?

Answer 1

5:45 - Drummer of the guard beats Drummer's Call, waking up the rest of the musicians.

6:00 - All musicians play Reveille on the parade grounds.

6:15 - Roll Call

6:30 - Musicians play pioneer's call (to clean up camp)

6:35 - Musicians play sick call

7:00 - Musicians assemble to play Breakfast call

8:00 - Drummer of the guard beats Drummer's Call

8:15 - Musicians play Assembly, to assemble the new guard

8:25 - Musicians play Adjutant, to march the new guard to the guard house

8:30 - Musicians participate in the changing of the guard, a 15 minute ceremony and inspection of arms; 2 musicians are detailed to the guard for 24 hours.

9-11 - most likely drill

11:45 - Drummer of the guard plays Drummer's Call

12:00 - Musicians play Dinner Call

12:45 - Drummer of the guard plays Drummer's Call

1:00 - Musicians play Pioneer's Call

1-4 - Afternoon Drill

4:00 - Drummer of the guard plays Drummer's Call

4:15 - Musicians play Assembly to assemble the entire regiment for Dress Parade

4:25 - Musicians play Adjutant's Call to march the men to the parade grounds

4:30 - Musicians participate in Dress Call by performing for the regiment

5:00 - Musicians play the Retreat, signally the end of the work day

6:00 - Musicians play Super Call

8:45 - Drummer of the guard plays Drummer's Call

9:00 - Musicians perform the Tattoo

9:30 - Drummer of the guard plays Taps

On Saturday, the day ends at 12 noon. This is the day for cleaning, especially bathing oneself and cleaning one's clothes. On Sunday, Church Call is beaten around 10:30 and most of the daily duties are suspended. Musicians would play other calls such as the Funeral March, the General (to strike camp), and Rouge's March (to drum someone out of the service).

Musicians were under the authority of the Drum Major and generally camped together. They were responsible for keeping their camp clean and their gear in order. Drill for them was instruction in calls and camp duties as well as marching.

During combat, musicians were sent to the field surgeon and acted as stretcher bearers. After combat, they were often made to help bury the dead. They would not be fighting or directly involved in the combat.

Musicians were fed the same amount as a regular soldier. They made $13 a month from 1861-63. In 1864, their pay was raised to $16.