So, Who Are the Sailing Masters of 1812?

From same source as last post.

"The Burning of the Ships" commemoration planned for tomorrow in Essex, Connecticut sounds like it is primarily an effort by a group who call themselves Sailing Masters of 1812.

So, who are they?

The purpose of the Sailing Masters of 1812 is to perpetuate the art and performance of  ancient fifing  and drumming and to commemorate the role of Essex in the War of 1812.  It is a nonprofit organization for historical and educational purposes.

The corps has adopted the uniform of a U.S. Navy Sailing Master, a warrant officer ranked between a midshipman and lieutenant.

The Corps performs on wooden fifes and rope tension snare and bass drums., and its repertoire includes period tunes and music from the fife and drum tradition.  These include  nautical and military tunes as well as historic songs.

--Brock-Perry