Fort George is looking for some new recruits to join the historic site’s 41st Fife and Drum Corps program.

The program is a way for youth to get together, have fun, develop some real skills like working as team, setting goals and following through, all while learning a little history.

This Sunday, Oct. 23, parents and youth aged 10 to 12 are invited to visit the fort between 1:30 and 4 p.m. and talk with music program co-ordinator Peter Alexander and watch a fife and drum practice.

“I was one of the first people involved in the creation of the Fife and Drum Corps back in 1987,” said Alexander.

“This is the 35th anniversary of this program and, over the years, it has become a core part of a visitor’s experience at Fort George.”

Members perform for the public, deliver programs and participate in events around town. “The students learn pretty quickly that marching and playing music isn’t easy but that hard work pays off,” he said.

Students are given drum sticks and fifes at the beginning to see if they’re stronger in one or the other, Alexander added.

“If they decide to continue with the program, they sign on as Parks Canada volunteers and this time counts towards school volunteer hours. There is also the possibility of summer employment once they reach 15.”

Parks Canada provides the instruments, musical instruction and all necessary equipment including uniforms.

More information is available on the fort’s website.