This is the home page of the Carolingian Signal Corps, the baronial trumpet & kettledrum ensemble. The Corps is led by Lady Ysabel da Costa, who can be reached here.
Historically, such ensembles were more associated with heralds than with musicians; trumpeters and kettledrummers would march or ride in processions, play court music, sound dinner calls, serve in battle with the cavalry, etc. Trumpets weren't considered true musical instruments until they started being played in their high clarino range during the Baroque era. But given how Carolingia is organized, administratively housing the Signal Corps here with the other local musicians seems most convenient.
The trumpets involved were "natural" trumpets, which have no valves or slides. Trumpets were generally played in ensembles of 2 to 5, accompanied by one large drum or a pair of kettledrums. Extant period trumpet pieces include military signals (some of which are recognizably the ancestors of modern bugle calls), as well as ceremonial/court music and "Tafelmusik".
The Signal Corps practices approximately monthly. It plans to play period fanfares, processionals, and battlefield signals in appropriate (SCA event) circumstances.
Last modified by Eowyn, 14 January, AS LIV (2020 C.E.).