Fife? What's a fife?That was Mornington School pupil Ella Moses' first reaction when she was shown the woodwind instrument recently loaned to her school.
But once the 7-year-old, fourth-generation Mornington pupil learnt it was an instrument her great-uncle played in the school's fife and drum band many decades ago, her curiosity was piqued.
''It's a really amazing instrument and it makes me wonder what the band sounded like,'' she said.
A fife is a small, high-pitched, transverse flute, similar to the piccolo only louder, that originated in medieval Europe.
This particular fife is made from hard wood with metal reinforcing, and is believed to have been made in the 19th century for use in military and marching bands.
Mornington School principal Brent Caldwell said it was loaned to the school, along with its original leather case, by the family of the late George Lovett, who was a fifer in the school's fife and drum band.
The band was a Mornington School institution from the late 1800s to the 1950s, Mr Caldwell said.
The band was all male, and members dressed in military uniform.
One of the main tasks of the band was to provide music for the boys' military drill, but it also performed at community gatherings.
After World War 2, the band continued to play similar tunes for all pupils to march into class to from the twice-daily assemblies in which all pupils lined up.
Mr Caldwell said the fife was among several historic items - including school caps, old report cards and school medals - which had been arriving at the school in the build-up to the school's 150th jubilee at Labour Weekend.
Jubilee committee chairman and former principal Clark Bragg said the items would bring learning alive for the children as they prepared for the significant event.
''The school caps, old report cards, school medals and the extra special fife open the door to a bygone era for the children of Mornington today.
''The artefacts will also provide a focus for the over 250 ex-pupils expected to attend the jubilee.''
Mr Caldwell said no-one had tried to play the fife yet.
''I think some things shouldn't be touched out of respect. But who knows, someone from the former band may decide to play it at the jubilee.''
The event will be held on October 23-25 and will include several social events at the school, as well as a dinner and a service of remembrance.
