Community Corner
'Tattoo' Kicks Off Deep River Ancient Muster
On the eve of the big muster parade in Deep River, the tattoo was the place to be!
Officially, tattoos are assemblies of military musicians who gather to display their marching and musical skills while sharing camaraderie.
In the case of the Deep River Ancient Muster (DRAM), the tattoo is a concert held at Devitt's Field the night before the big muster parade featuring the Deep River Junior Ancients – the hosts – and a few of the corps that will march in the Saturday parade, including some international units. You can feel the happy anticipation in the air during the tattoo.
Patty Unan, the director emeritus of the muster, explains that although the tattoo’s roots are in the military, the format has been modified over the years. Originally hosted by the Deep River Seniors, the Deep River Junior Ancients took over hosting in the early 1980s.
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The ancient muster itself, 132 years young, brings together some 55-plus corps of marching (mostly) fife and drum players and other enthusiasts to celebrate the tradition of early marching band music.
But everybody mainly gathers to have fun, and from the looks and sound of things Friday night, Saturday was promising to be super-fun time!
