The local arts community suffered an unexpected and tragic loss recently with the passing from sudden illness of Kayla St. George, 39. Many knew Kayla as one of the leaders and a former director of operations of the Providence Drum Troupe, under the stage name / nickname “Fife,” and the troupe held a memorial in her honor on Friday. Here are a few excerpts.
She loved playing her bass drum and certainly touched many people in the fife and drum world. Kayla was a regular at musters and jams. She was a member of the Bristol County Fifes & Drums since 2017 [thus the nickname].
On a personal note, if you got to know Kayla, you knew she was kind, empathetic, and a great listener. She loved animals and making new friends. She was also famous for the “Kayla selfie,” which was never a great angle, but we all wanted to be in one anyway. Kayla will be sorely missed by her many friends.
Fife, Kayla St. George made a huge impact on the Troupe. She was instrumental in the early days of the Clubhouse, leveled up our Bass Drum Squad in a big way, and always made sure our Bridge gigs ran smoothly. She loved to talk about the day she joined the Troupe after seeing us play at the Attleboro Winter Nights Festival, and then meeting us at the Burgundian after the gig. She was quick with a sloth meme and funny birthday wishes, which will be dearly missed.
Rest in peace Fife . . .
– David Lee Black, PVD Drum Troupe Founder
Roads? Where Fife goin’ she don’t need roads!
– Krazy Rae
Fife was an incredible musician, teacher, leader, and an even better person.
She bent over backwards to make sure everyone felt supported and appreciated. She knew how to meet people where they were at as a teacher, and lead the bass section with confidence and elegance. We’ll be banging our drums twice as loud for her!
– Sunflower
Fife didn’t just show up. She showed up smiling, and it was 100 per cent infectious.
– John McGrath
Kayla St George’s heart filled with love for people and animals, with a beat louder than her bass drum, echoing over the water throughout the city of Providence! Her impact on the world created a ripple effect that vibrated through each heart she encountered, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.
– Allie Boyer
Kayla was also well known and beloved as a senior zookeeper at Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro. There will be a Friendsgiving Memorial Jam by the American Drum Company, of which she was also a member, on Nov 7 at 889 Arcade Ave, Seekonk, MA. Digital condolences and more information about services can be found here: trippfuneralhome.com/obituaries/kayla-st-george
