John Ciaglia has left an indelible imprint on the musical arc of fifing in America. The fife, usually associated with 4th of July parades, is considered a primitive instrument by anyone in classical circles, including John’s Yale-educated father. Ciaglia’s dad, who studied under the great German composer, Paul Hindemith, tried to convince a young John to ignore the ‘toy flute’ and take up a more proper instrument. Despite the unfavorable perceptions and limitations of the fife, Ciaglia has spent his life exploring its harmonic possibilities and writing arrangements that prove it to be profoundly beautiful.
This short documentary about John Ciaglia is the start of a bigger project, and was first shared as an introduction to John and his music at the 2023 Junior Fife & Drum Camp.
Learn more about the project and how you can help at https://www.baconworks.com/ciaglia-documentary
