Confederate infantry companies were assigned two Musicians, a Fifer and Drummer, frequently termed "Field Music." On the regimental Field and Staff were a Drum Major and a Fife Major.

I have never seen the duties of these men in print, I suspect however, differing from Federal troops, that they served as rifleman in action.

From the Regulations for the Army of the Confederate States, we find:

Article XII Regiments.

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74. When it is desired to have bands of music for regiments, there will be allowed for each, sixteen privates to act as musicians, in addition to the chief musician allowed by law, provided, the total number of privates of the regiment, including the band, does not exceed the legal standard.

75. The musicians of the band will, for the time being, be dropped from the company muster-rolls, but they will be instructed as soldiers, and liable to serve in the ranks on any occasion. They will be mustered in a separate squad under the chief musician, with the non-commissioned staff, and be included in the aggregate in all regimental returns.

76. When a regiment occupies several stations, the band will be kept at the headquarters. provided troops (one or more companies) be serving there. The field music belonging to companies not stationed at regimental headquarters, will not be separated from their respective commands.

In my ggrandfather's 43rd Tennessee, although a band is noted in diaries, only company fifers and drummers are recorded in their Compiled Service Records. I would suspect that your men were company music.

George Martin