Drummer
Drumming is a top role in the Sealed Knot, especially if you are a bit reluctant to take on hand-to-hand fighting, though there is a chance to do that too!
As a drummer you wear a distinctive uniform, and are a focal point of the regiment. Although drummers are technically non-combatant, they are in the thick of the action during battles, beating encouragement and orders behind the pike and musket blocks. So you experience the tension and excitement of the battle as much as anyone else, while marching as a drummer through towns is a wonderful buzz.
To be a drummer you do not need to be musical - the beats are easy to learn, and full training will be given.
In the 17th century drummers were a significant part of the regiment, as they are in the Sealed Knot. Their main function was to beat the few basic orders on the field of battle, which would otherwise not be heard in the noise of battle. They also beat while on the march to keep the soldiers at the same pace and were also important as go-betweens in parley. They were better educated and better paid than ordinary foot soldiers.
Uniforms and Drums
Many regiments have distinctive uniforms for their drum corps, which reflect the importance of the drummer's role and the regiment's image. The coat or doublet will have to be made especially, though may be available second-hand.
Some regiments provide a limited number of drums on loan for new members, but eventually most drummers buy their own to ensure they always have an instrument to play.
Drums –can be bought from specialist traders, and come in a variety of dimensions. Your regiment may insist on a particular colour scheme or staining. They can be supported by either a strap or a sash - sashes are more comfortable.
Drumsticks – these are most likely to be your own choice, but ideally they should be wooden, solid, shaped, and without leather padded heads.
Coat or doublet –this will probably be made by one supplier to the regiment and will probably have to be ordered. Some may be available second-hand, but only through your regiment.
Shirt – these are usually plain with a collar, but some lace may be permissible to indicate the higher status of drummers - check with your regiment.
Breeches – these may be stipulated as part of the uniform; black or grey may be acceptable. They should be of wool or wool mix. Lined breeches last longer, are more comfortable, and withstand the rubbing caused by the drum on the march.
Hose – check with regiment regarding colour, manufacture and style.
Footwear – an increasing number of regiments now strongly encourage all their members to wear latchet shoes or other authentic styles. Desert boots may be acceptable to begin with.
Headwear – this must be worn, but will vary with the regiment. Some wear black felt hats, others have special uniform monteros.
Gloves or gauntlets – though not essential, these avoid rubbing from drumsticks, keep hands warm in cold weather – and hide rings if worn. Acceptable women’s leather gloves can be bought from charity shops, but should be black or of natural colour.
Bag – you may want one to carry various items. These can either be made out of leather, wool or other material, but should look ‘authentic’.
Belt – if you choose to wear one, a good strong black or brown leather belt, available at markets or at our musters, to support your money pouch and your breeches.
Where to obtain kit
Because the coats need to be specially made they will probably be a bit more expensive than the basic soldiers’ coats. Patterns are available to make your own shirt and/or breeches, or you may be able to buy second hand items either from your regiment or on Traders Row.
As a drummer you wear a distinctive uniform, and are a focal point of the regiment. Although drummers are technically non-combatant, they are in the thick of the action during battles, beating encouragement and orders behind the pike and musket blocks. So you experience the tension and excitement of the battle as much as anyone else, while marching as a drummer through towns is a wonderful buzz.
To be a drummer you do not need to be musical - the beats are easy to learn, and full training will be given.
In the 17th century drummers were a significant part of the regiment, as they are in the Sealed Knot. Their main function was to beat the few basic orders on the field of battle, which would otherwise not be heard in the noise of battle. They also beat while on the march to keep the soldiers at the same pace and were also important as go-betweens in parley. They were better educated and better paid than ordinary foot soldiers.
Uniforms and Drums
Many regiments have distinctive uniforms for their drum corps, which reflect the importance of the drummer's role and the regiment's image. The coat or doublet will have to be made especially, though may be available second-hand.
Some regiments provide a limited number of drums on loan for new members, but eventually most drummers buy their own to ensure they always have an instrument to play.
Drums –can be bought from specialist traders, and come in a variety of dimensions. Your regiment may insist on a particular colour scheme or staining. They can be supported by either a strap or a sash - sashes are more comfortable.
Drumsticks – these are most likely to be your own choice, but ideally they should be wooden, solid, shaped, and without leather padded heads.
Coat or doublet –this will probably be made by one supplier to the regiment and will probably have to be ordered. Some may be available second-hand, but only through your regiment.
Shirt – these are usually plain with a collar, but some lace may be permissible to indicate the higher status of drummers - check with your regiment.
Breeches – these may be stipulated as part of the uniform; black or grey may be acceptable. They should be of wool or wool mix. Lined breeches last longer, are more comfortable, and withstand the rubbing caused by the drum on the march.
Hose – check with regiment regarding colour, manufacture and style.
Footwear – an increasing number of regiments now strongly encourage all their members to wear latchet shoes or other authentic styles. Desert boots may be acceptable to begin with.
Headwear – this must be worn, but will vary with the regiment. Some wear black felt hats, others have special uniform monteros.
Gloves or gauntlets – though not essential, these avoid rubbing from drumsticks, keep hands warm in cold weather – and hide rings if worn. Acceptable women’s leather gloves can be bought from charity shops, but should be black or of natural colour.
Bag – you may want one to carry various items. These can either be made out of leather, wool or other material, but should look ‘authentic’.
Belt – if you choose to wear one, a good strong black or brown leather belt, available at markets or at our musters, to support your money pouch and your breeches.
Where to obtain kit
Because the coats need to be specially made they will probably be a bit more expensive than the basic soldiers’ coats. Patterns are available to make your own shirt and/or breeches, or you may be able to buy second hand items either from your regiment or on Traders Row.