A military band is a group of soldiers assigned to musical duties. A typical military band consists mostly of string and wind instruments (typically kept in rugged travel cases). The military band should be capable of playing ceremonial and marching music, including the national anthems and patriotic songs of not only their own nation but others as well, both while stationary and as a marching band.
Military bands also play a part in military funeral ceremonies.
In historical times, commanders maintained control over their units by use of signals such as bells, trumpets, horns and particularly drums. The modern-day military band is a hold-over from this period.
It has been said by some musicians that "Military music is to music what marching is to walking."
In the United States Army, the band is attached to the headquarters element and one of its duties is to provide security for the command post. British Army bandsmen are trained as combat medical technicians.
Modern-day military musicians often perform a variety of other styles of music in different ensembles, from chamber music to rock and roll.
The popular high school or college marching band has its roots in the military band. Some police, fire and other uniformed public service forces also maintain military-style marching bands. The highland bagpipe Pipe band is a variation of the military band, and is also popular with public service organizations as well as civilian groups.
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