Historically drums have been used in armies since the time of the Crusades. The first English monarch to use drums in battle, Edward 3rd, used them to drive fear into his enemies in much the same way as the Saracens had done during the Crusades. By the 16th Century, however. their roll was one of communication. They were used to keep an army on the move during long marches and as a link between the Tercio, Regimental Commanders, Officers and men on the battlefield.

Our rôle today as Slanning's Drum Corps is to, as historically as possible, keep the regiment moving on marches and react to orders on the battlefield. We are trying, at present, to develop our roll to be more accurate on the battlefield along with the rest of the tercio drums.

At every muster we have regimental drum practice but also try to organise a Tercio practice. We need to be able to play with the rest of the Tercio as sometimes we are brigaded together.

Slanning's Drum Corps has three regimental drums which new recruits can use initially. To become part of the drums you have to be a person who likes to make a noise, have a good time, laugh and have an interest in music. However the ability to play a musical instrument or read music is not a requirement but if you can, fantastic.

We have a Tercio Drum book and tape (sorry no CD version just yet!) which you will be given to help teach you all the beats in an interesting and entertaining way!! Your partner, however, may not agree entirely with that!

Slanning's Drum Corps would welcome anyone who is willing to get sweaty but not as bad as the Pike Block, to get dirty but not as dirty as the Musket Block or Artillery but willing to get as hyped as all of them!