"In search of the stories, facts and myths of the North's 200-year-old fife and drum tradition, Gary Hastings interviewed instrument makers, drummers and fifers. He learnt how the mighty drums were constructed and discovered the customs surrounding the drumming matches and processions. He also collected over seventy airs and tunes, the musical notation of which are included in this book along with a CD of musicians' reminiscences and the traditional music of fife and drum."--Jacket.