The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines
The Royal Marines Band Service is world renowned for the quality of its music, visual splendour and meticulous attention to detail on parade.The musicians and buglers of the Band Service are also renowned for their versatility on the concert platform where they enjoy a similar reputation; ensuring their continuing popularity with audiences worldwide.
The primary role of the five Royal Marines Bands is to provide musical support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. Although in times of conflict they may be called upon to provide a wide range of military duties in an operational role - including medical support and Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Decontamination Teams.Most recently ranks from the Band Service have Served with 3 Commando Brigade in Afghanistan. There are currently 15 ranks from The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland deployed to Sierra Leone as part of OPERATION GRITLOCK. They are onboard the Royal Naval medical ship RFA Argus supporting efforts to tackle Ebola.
The Band embraces all kinds of music and is capable of performing in many different musical ensembles - including fanfare teams, dance bands, orchestras and various chamber ensembles; in fact almost any familiar musical ensemble.In addition to this, our instantly recognisable Corps of Drums bring movement, colour and a flavour of Ceremonial and State occasions; of which the Royal Marines Bands are an integral part.Our repertoire includes stirring martial music, popular classics, music of the Big Band era, exciting contemporary works and solo features which all combine to produce performances that are both entertaining and spectacular.
The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood
The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood was formed on the 16th June 2009 as a direct result of the closure of the Band based at the BritanniaRoyalNavalCollege in Dartmouth.Since its inception, the band has performed at many high profile engagements including the Royal Wedding, the Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall, the South Coast Proms and was the first Royal Marines Band to march into Parliament. In addition to its musical commitments the RM Band Collingwood has deployed on RFA ARGUS to exercise its operational roles.
The Band alsohad an integral role in The London 2012 Olympic Games,led the Olympic and Paralympic Athletes‘Our Greatest Team’ Parade through central London, Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Events, The Late Baroness Thatcher’s Funeral, Massed Bands ‘Beating Retreat’ on Horse Guards Parade in London, celebrations to commemorate 350 years of the Royal Marines, numerous events commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the First World War, the Avenches Tattoo and The Basel Christmas Tattoo, both in Switzerland.
The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood continues to make a significant contribution to the Naval Service and wider UK interests. It provides musical support to commemorative events and veteran’s parades in London and throughout the SouthCoast. Its concerts raise funds for Service charities and it performs for events both on a national level and for local communities.