Nathan Dorsey developed a great appreciation of history when the Elkridge teen first attended a music camp at Fort McHenry in 2013 — and discovered the Baltimore landmark was not just another nearby attraction, but the site where soldiers fought to defend the city 200 years ago.
"I remember being really amazed when I realized that the fort was the actual place where all of this history happened," said Dorsey, now 15. "I loved that I got to be right there in the same place where those people fought."
Dorsey has the attended the Fort McHenry Guard War of 1812 Fife and Drum Camp ever since, and made a return last week.
"I love getting more practice and experience," Dorsey said. "It's a lot of fun to get to be at the fort and learn drum."
At the four-day camp, Dorsey joined 43 other campers, ages 9 to 16, from Maryland and Virginia at the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine — the birthplace of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Students learned how soldiers in the War of 1812 and the Civil War lived. The annual camp is free for participants — uniforms, lunches and instruments are provided by sponsors.
Dorsey was also among the students taking part in a "tattoo" concert and ceremony with the National Civil War Field Music School over the weekend.
Tim Ertel, music coordinator and park ranger at Fort McHenry, said the purpose of the camp is to create a connection for people who share a common interest.
"What they experience here is a bond, not only musically," he said. "They want to play together, and they all have fun. We're here interpreting to the public the purpose of the musicians and their role."
Dorsey began playing drums in 2012 and six months later attended the fife and drum camp. His love for music led him to become a participant of the Fort McHenry Junior Fife and Drum Corps. He hopes to soon be playing with the Senior Fife and Drum Corps.
His mother, Renee Dorsey, said his involvement with the group has helped make history one of her son's favorite subjects.
"He has gone from a very inexperienced drummer to one who really focuses on learning new songs as well as working on perfecting the hand positions and rudiments needed to keep progressing," she said. "He practices a lot at home, working out new songs and drumming on everything."
The 11th-grader, who is home-schooled, also receives support in his musical journey from his father, Ben Dorsey. Other activities the teenager enjoys include hiking, working out at the gym and hunting with his dad.
Last year, Dorsey participated in various living-history events as a musician in Maryland and Virginia.
His experience at the camp has taught him many things, he said.
"I've learned a lot about drumming and history, but I've also learned how to work as team with the others," he said. "We work together to learn new things.
"The first year I went to camp, the more experienced drummers worked with me and helped me figure out how to play. Now, even though I am still learning, I get to help out some of the drummers that are just starting out."
mcollins@baltsun.com