American Originals is comprised of veterans of the legendary US Air Force Pipe Band and US Air Force Band, as well as the best drum and fife performers in DC, and presents modern drum corps literature and fife music from many periods. Although the corps’ uniform was inspired by the US Navy’s formal dress uniform of 1812, the corps chose not to recreate any specific historical military unit, or adhere to the music of any defined time period. Instead, in true American fashion, the corps sought to draw from history while embracing the innovation of modern musical arrangements.
The American Originals Fife and Drum Corps now offers an extensive repertoire of American music, spanning the times from the American Revolution, through the Civil War, and on into the sounds of the 21st century. Selections from the Broadway stage and the Big Band Era, as well as folk tunes brought to America from many countries, enrich the corps’ musical range. This novel approach to fifing and drumming has entertained audiences in Canada, Switzerland, Germany, and The Netherlands as well as the USA.
…And it continues with Pride.
For over 20 years, each one of the corps’ performances has been introduced with the words, “Ladies and Gentlemen, with pride, the American Originals.” From its home in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area, the corps marches out to present American music to audiences worldwide, always aspiring to be complete entertainers; leaving fans standing, clapping, and calling for more.
Entertainment so memorable that hundreds of people are still cheering from the stands.
"Is this a dance? Or a costume party? Or have I wandered onto the set of some 1930's musical? Doc's band knows and plays just about everything, but focuses on the works of such giants as Cab Calloway, George Gershwin and Irving Berlin."— Larry ...
-
(Jan 01, 2013)
"You really made the wedding for us (so much so that we put you in our wedding announcement!)."-Diana Culp Bork (wife to the son of the Honorable Robert H. Bork)...
-
(Jan 01, 2013)
Hi John,Doc and his band were absolutely amazing!!! Everyone really enjoyed the party because of them! You have been great to work with and provided one heck of a recommendation for our party! THANK YOU!Jessica V. (December 6th, 2013)Corporate Holida...
-
(Jan 01, 2013)
"You and your band were show-stopping wonderful. Now you have a new legion of folks to spread the word, not least of them including Al and Tipper."- Hodding Carter, III (Mainstreet Television Production Company)...
-
(Jan 01, 2013)
"Your fantastic music helped to make this The Host Chapter Party of the decade."- Susan A. Retz, AIA & Sharon F. Washburn, AIA(Washington Chapter American Institute of Architects)...
-
(Jan 01, 2013)
"The performance by you and your Imperial Palms surpassed all the publicity we had read about you. It certainly was the highlight of one of the most memorable events we've held in Washington."- Michael R. Pinter, Senior Executive Vice President, Kemp...
-
(Jan 01, 2013)
"The zest with (which) your orchestra played, the homefront announcements from the stage, and your lovely ladies in WW II (period dress)...were all master strokes which showed the preparation you and your group had put into lending an air of authenti...
-
(Jan 01, 2013)