Indian military bands

2022-11-24T11:18:27Z

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[[File:Indian Army Band.jpg|thumb|The Indian Army Chief's Band]]
[[File:The Band performing at the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony, at Vijay Chowk, in New Delhi on January 29, 2018 (5).jpg|thumb|A band performance at the [[Beating Retreat#India|Beat Retreat ceremony]] at [[Vijay Chowk]] in 2018]]
The '''Indian [[military bands]]''' consists of musicians from the [[Indian Army]], [[Indian Navy|Navy]] and [[Indian Air Force|Air Force]]. Indian military bands regularly participate in international festivals and take part in celebrations dedicated to various national events. These
bands are permanent participants in the [[Delhi Republic Day parade]] on the [[Rajpath]]. Today, the [[Indian Armed Forces]] have more than 50 military brass bands and 400 [[pipe bands]] and [[corps of drums]]. A '''Tri-Services Band''' refers to a joint Indian Armed Forces military band that performs together as a unit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://spasstower.ru/en/participants/svodnyy-voennyy-orkestr-trekh-vidov-vooruzhennykh-sil-indii/|title = Tri-Services Band — [EN] Spasskaya bashnya}}</ref> At the [[Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festival and Tattoo]] in [[Moscow]], the band consisted of 7 officers and 55 musicians.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radioandmusic.com/entertainment/editorial/news/170824-indian-tri-services-band-participating?amp|title = Indian Tri-Services Band participating in International Military Music Festival in Moscow}}</ref> The [[Military Music Wing]] of the [[Army Education Corps (India)|Army Education Corps]] is the principal educational institution of the armed forces that provides instruction to musicians of all ranks.<ref>https://www.indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=Bi2FhXIWo4aoFotvq/NI4Q==&ParentID=7WhgrvklrB2jpdYJC3DEjA== {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2022}}</ref> Instruction is also provided by the Military Music Training Center and the Indian Navy School of Music.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmtcsln.com/about.html |title=Military Music Training Center |website=www.mmtcsln.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111193729/http://www.mmtcsln.com/about.html |archive-date=2020-01-11}}</ref>

In the [[Indian Army]], the following commands maintain their own inspectorates for music: [[Eastern Command (India)|Eastern Command]], [[Central Command (India)|Central Command]], [[Northern Command (India)|Northern Command]], [[South Western Command (India)|South Western Command]], [[Southern Command (India)|Southern Command]], and the [[Western Command (India)|Western Command]]. The military bands in the [[Indian Armed Forces]] consist of a mix of instruments from the [[woodwind instrument|woodwind]] family, [[brass instrument|brass]] family, and [[percussion instrument|percussion]] family and sometimes are simply either [[brass band]]s or [[wind band]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rakshaknews.com/forces/army-news/8-interesting-fact-about-indian-military-band |title=सेना में संगीत पर 'जंग': 'इंडियन आर्मी बैंड' की 8 रोचक बातें |website=www.rakshaknews.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112211235/http://www.rakshaknews.com/forces/army-news/8-interesting-fact-about-indian-military-band |archive-date=2020-01-12}}</ref> The Indian military also has dedicated [[pipe band]] bands that serves as independent units and are maintained by all infantry regiments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/bengali/music/get-set-to-enjoy-great-military-music-today/amp_articleshow/72529472.cms|title = Get set to enjoy great military music today - Times of India|website = [[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Most senior military bands can be configured from a [[marching band]] to a [[concert band]] and can also form smaller ensembles to jazz ensembles, traditional music bands, brass quintets, woodwind and [[drumline]]s. A general military band consists of a band master and 33 musicians while a pipe band consists of a band master and 17 musicians.<ref>https://m.rediff.com/amp/news/report/inspiring-courage-and-valour-with-martial-music/20111026.htm {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2022}}</ref> Bandsmen in the Indian Army are soldiers first, having the primary role in battle of medical assistants.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bloggerdevkumar.blogspot.com/2015/09/pipes-and-drums-band-of-41-gorkha.html?m=1|title=Mhow Ki Khabrein... Blogposts from Mhow (MP); India: Pipes and Drums Band of 4/1 Gorkha Rifles Mesmerises Indore on I Day|date=23 September 2015}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Indian infantry band 40th Pathans playing on a French farm (Photo 24-46).jpg|thumb|An infantry band from the [[40th Pathans]] playing on a French farm in [[Saint-Floris]].]]

Martial music has been a part of Indian culture since the era of the [[Maratha Empire]] in the 17th century.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/martial-music-to-our-ears-fused-with-a-dash-of-state-history-2898649/lite/|title=Martial music to our ears, fused with a dash of state history|date=7 July 2016}}</ref> Organized military bands were brought to India by the [[British Army]] as military bands early as the 1700s. In 1813, within a letter to the Military Secretary of the Commander-in-chief of [[Fort St. George, India|Fort St. George]], an army Colonel urged
the formation of military bands in the native regiments of the [[East India Company]] as a means "of improving the appreciation of European
music amongst the Indian population".<ref>https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/music/opencmscontent.aspx%3Fid%3D66f27991-c625-4d2b-9baf-e3b343e9abd2&ved=2ahUKEwiri9PK1ITnAhWbLc0KHXCcDssQFjALegQIBRAB&usg=AOvVaw12cfnmwVN6Z9Mtc-qCYyu4 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2022}}</ref> Prior to World War I each battalion-sized regiment of the Indian Army had its own military band.

There is no exact introduction year of pipe bands in the Indian military forces. When it was introduced it came into ethnically [[Sikh]], [[Gorkha]], and [[Pathan]] regiments in the late 19th century. The first fully Sikh pipe band was established circa 1856 when the 45th Rattray Regiment was established in [[Punjab]]. Since then, Sikh Pipe bands have been a part of the Sikh Regiments that were established under [[British Empire|British rule]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sridasmesh.org/ |title=Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band | Malaysian Sikh Band |publisher=Sridasmesh.org |date= |accessdate=2022-08-05}}</ref> [[British India]]n regiments with pipe bands included the Bombay Volunteer Rifles and the [[Calcutta Scottish]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tartansauthority.com/tartan/the-growth-of-tartan/military-tartans/regimental-tartans/|title=Regimental Tartans | Scottish Tartans Authority}}</ref> The Military Music Wing came into fruition on 23 October 1950 under the patronage and supervision of [[K. M. Cariappa]], the then [[Chief of the Army Staff (India)|C-in-C]] of the Army. In the early-mid 50s, the Indianization of formerly British military bands took place, with Harold Joseph, the then music director of the Indian Army, leading the revitalization of Indigenous tunes in the Indian military.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G7ChRvQLgvwC&q=Harold+Joseph+I|title = Indian and Foreign Review|date = October 1974}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QnTfAAAAMAAJ&q=Harold+Joseph|title = Sainik Samachar|year = 1988}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0nA9AAAAMAAJ&q=Harold+Joseph|title = The School Musician Director and Teacher|year = 1966}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.punekarnews.in/army-symphony-band-concert-atpune/|title=Army Symphony Band Concert Atpune|date=26 May 2017}}</ref>

==Primary bands==

===Indian Army Chief's Band===
The [[Indian Army Chief's Band]] was founded in 1990 as the official band of the [[Indian Army]] and the foremost in the armed forces. It also, as its name implies, represents the [[Chief of the Army Staff (India)|Chief of the Army Staff]] at events involving the COAS's presence. The band represents India in most important state events held in the Indian capital. It also has represented India at various military music festivals in [[France]], [[Italy]], [[Sweden]], [[Germany]], [[Great Britain]], [[Russia]] and [[Bangladesh]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kremlin-guild.ru/kremlin-military-tattoo/participants/India/detail.php?ID=2256 |title=Участники фестиваля, Индия |website=kremlin-guild.ru |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420095135/http://www.kremlin-guild.ru/kremlin-military-tattoo/participants/India/detail.php?ID=2256 |archive-date=2010-04-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://president-concert.ru/orkestry/proekty/orkestr-verhovnogo-komandovaniya-vooruzhennyh-sil-indii.html|title=Оркестр Верховного командования Вооруженных сил Индии - Проекты}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/Army-band-for-Moscow-music-festival/amp_articleshow/4933864.cms|title=Army band for Moscow music festival | India News - Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

===Indian Naval Symphonic Band===
[[File:Indian Navy Band in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2017 at United Kingdom (2).jpg|thumb|A corps of drums from the Indian Navy Band]]

The [[Indian Navy Band|Indian Naval Symphonic Band]] has been considered as one of the best military bands in [[Asia]]. It was founded in 1945. The Naval Musicians are known as unofficial ambassadors of the country. As Musician Officers they are responsible for conducting the Naval Band at ceremonies and symphonic band concerts in India and abroad.<ref name="join">{{cite web|url=https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in/en/page/musician-1.html|title=Musician - Join Indian Navy | Government of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://madrascourier.com/insight/musicians-of-the-indian-military/|title = Musicians of the Indian Military | Madras Courier|date = 26 January 2017}}</ref>

===No. 1 Air Force Band===
[[File:Pratibha Devisingh Patil presented mementos to the conductor of the coir, after witnessing a spectacular performance by the Air Warriors Symphony Orchestra, at the auditorium in Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.jpg|thumb|President [[Pratibha Patil]] presenting mementos to the conductor of the AWSO at the auditorium in Rashtrapati Bhavan]]

The No. 1 Air Force Band (also known as the [[Indian Air Force Band]]) is the primary musical unit of the [[Indian Air Force]]. The first IAF military band was formed on 10 June 1944 as the RIAF Central Band and is currently stationed in [[Jalahalli]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0bJIAAAAYAAJ&q=Warriors|title = Business India|year = 2004}}</ref> The [[concert band]] unit of the IAF Band is the Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra (AWSO), formed in June 2002. The AWSO has performed at many concerts across the world in countries like [[France]], [[Italy]], [[Germany]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], and [[Bangladesh]]. The AWSO consists of hand-picked musicians from various Air Force Bands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mycitybeats.wordpress.com/2015/08/12/orion-mall-resonates-with-the-patriotic-sounds-of-the-air-warrior-symphony-orchestra-of-the-iaf/amp/|title = Orion Mall Resonates with the Patriotic Sounds of the Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra of the IAF|date = 12 August 2015}}</ref>

==Other bands==
[[File:Southern Naval Command Band Marching Past the Saluting Dais.jpg|thumb|The [[Southern Naval Command]] Band marching past a saluting dais]]

===Army bands===
Army bands are directly reporting units of their regimental center or part of the educational institution:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=6699|title=English Releases}}</ref>

* Artillery Centre Band Nasik
*[[Hyderabad]] Artillery Center Band<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/events/hyderabad/army-band-leaves-audience-spell-bound-on-world-music-day/amp_etphotostory/64729359.cms|title=Army band leaves audience spell bound on World Music Day|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=25 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://telanganatoday.com/artillery-centres-symphony-band-enthralls-music-lovers-in-hyderabad/amp|title = Home AMP}}</ref>
*Band of the [[Brigade of the Guards]] Training Centre
*Band of the [[Rajputana Rifles]] Centre
*[[Madras Regiment Band]]
*[[The Grenadiers]] Regimental Centre Brass Band
*[[Maratha Light Infantry]] Band
*[[Jat Regiment]] Centre Band
*[[Ladakh Scouts]] Centre Band
*[[Indian Army Corps of EME|1 EME]] Band
*[[Indian Army Corps of Signals|Corps of Signals Training Centre]] Band
*[[Bombay Engineer Group and Centre Band]]
*[[Madras Sappers Military Band|Madras Engineer Group and Centre Band]]
*[[Mechanised Infantry Regiment]] Centre Band
*[[Dogra Regiment]] Band
*[[The Garhwal Rifles]] Band
*[[Bengal Engineer Group]] Centre Band
*[[Parachute Regiment (India)|Parachute Regimental Centre]] Band
*Dogra Scouts Band
*39 Gorkha Training Centre Band
*[[11th Gorkha Rifles]] Centre Band
*14 Gorkha Training Centre Band
*58 Gorkha Training Centre Band
*[[Indian Military Academy]] Band
*[[Officers Training Academy Band]]
*[[Territorial Army (India)|Territorial Army]] Bands under various TA battalions<ref>https://www.indiastrategic.in/2017/10/09/territorial-army-symphony-band-performs-on-eve-of-its-68-th-raising-day/ {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref><ref>http://www.news007.in/india-news/territorial-army-symphony-band-enthrals-spectators-at-india-gate/ {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uniindia.com/territorial-army-symphony-band-enthrals-crowd-at-india-gate/india/news/1012404.html |title=Territorial Army symphony band enthrals crowd at India Gate |publisher=Uniindia.com |date=2017-10-08 |accessdate=2022-08-05}}</ref>
*Indian Army Grand Symphony Band
*[[Indian Army Armoured Corps|Armoured Corps Centre & School]] Band
*1 Signal Training Centre Band ([[Jabalpur]])<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=031WegRPmM8C&q=1+Signal+Training+Centre+Band&pg=PA352|title = The Royal Corps of Signals: Unit Histories of the Corps (1920-2001) and Its Antecedents|isbn = 9781874622925|last1 = Lord|first1 = Cliff|last2 = Lord|first2 = Chris|last3 = Watson|first3 = Graham|date = 24 February 2014}}</ref><ref>http://www.signalsbadges.co.uk/Asia/ics_drum_majors_bullion_badge_circa_1980s.htm {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2022}}</ref>
*[[Mahar Regiment]] Band
*[[Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry]] Band
*[[Indian Army Pioneer Corps|Pioneer Corps Training Center]] Band
*[[Corps of Military Police (India)|Corps of Military Police]] Band
*[[Indian Army Service Corps|Army Service Corps]] North Band

===Navy Bands===
[[File:Indian Naval Academy Ball Autumn Term - 2016 (4).jpg|thumb|The Indian Naval Academy Band]]
The following bands operate in the country:<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1WxI9TlAxIQC&q=ins+chilka+band&pg=PA379|title=Transition to Eminence: The Indian Navy 1976-1990|isbn=9788170622666|last1=Hiranandani|first1=G. M.|year=2005}}</ref>

*[[Eastern Naval Command]] Band<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/the-indian-naval-bands-musical-wave/article22878619.ece/amp/|title = The Indian Naval Band's musical wave|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 28 February 2018|last1 = Navya|first1 = C.}}</ref>
*[[Western Naval Command]] Band
*[[Southern Naval Command]] Band
*[[INS Chilka]] Band ([[Orissa]]), serves the sailor training establishment on base
*[[INS Cicars]] Band ([[Fort Cochin]]), serves the Gunnery Training School
*[[INS Dronacharya]] Band ([[Fort Kochi]])
*[[INS Hamla]] Band ([[Marve]]), serves under the Logistic, EDP and Cookery schools
*[[INS India]] Band ([[New Delhi]])
*[[INS Jarawa Band]] ([[Port Blair]])
*[[INS Kunjali]] Band ([[Bombay]]), serves in an official capacity as the [[Indian Navy Band|Indian Navy Central Band]]
*[[INS Mandovi]] Band ([[Goa]]), serves the [[Indian Naval Academy]]
*[[INS Shivaji]] Band ([[Lonavla]]), serves under the Engineering Training School
*[[INS Valsura]] Band ([[Jamnagar]]), serves at the Electrical Training School
*[[INS Venduruthy]] Band ([[Cochin]])
*INS Viraat Band

Bands often embarks on goodwill visits to different countries by means of its ship base. All navy musicians must have a [[bachelor’s degree]] from recognized university and can play at least one military sponsored instrument.<ref name="join"/>

===Air Force Bands===
[[File:The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind with the Indian Air Force Band Contingents (participants of the Beating Retreat Ceremony) and Provost Outrides, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 30, 2018.jpg|thumb|President [[Ram Nath Kovind]] with members of the [[Indian Air Force Band]] following the [[Beating Retreat]], [[Rashtrapati Bhavan]], 30 January 2018]]
Since 1944, eight regional bands have operated in the country:<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PqDfAAAAMAAJ&q=Indian+Air+Force+No.2+Band|title=Ceremonial Glimpses of the Indian Air Force|last1=Mandal|first1=Ranjit K.|year=2002|isbn=9788185250304}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Units/Others/385-Bands.html|title = Air Force Bands}}</ref>

* [[Indian Air Force Band|No.1 Air Force Band]] (Formed 10 June 1944, stationed in [[Jalahalli]])
* No.2 Air Force Band (Formed 22 July 1949, stationed in [[New Delhi]])
* No.3 Air Force Band (Formed 28 April 1961, stationed at the [[Air Force Academy, Dundigul|Dundigal]])
* No.4 Air Force Band (Formed 28 April 1961, stationed in [[Bamrauli]])
* No.5 Air Force Band (Formed 28 April 1961, stationed in [[Nagpur]])
* No.6 Air Force Band (Formed 13 January 1969, stationed in [[Palam]])
* No.7 Air Force Band (Formed 13 January 1969, stationed in [[Guwahati]])
* No.8 Air Force Band (Formed 1999, stationed in [[Gandhinagar]])

The current director of music for the Indian Air Force is Flight Lieutenant LS Rupachandra.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/28293 |title=Service Record for Wing Commander Gopalakrishnan Jayachandran 28293 ADM [www.bharat-rakshak.com] |publisher=Bharat-rakshak.com |date= |accessdate=2022-08-05}}</ref>

====Air Force Academy Band====
The No.3 Air Force Band is attached to the [[Air Force Academy (India)|Indian Air Force Academy]], and has been configured that way since 1971.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2017-08-04/IAF-conducts-Band-Concert-to-commemorate-Independence-Day/316821|title=IAF conducts Band Concert to commemorate Independence Day|date=5 August 2017}}</ref> Musicians are required to read and write in English and have a height of 167 cm. Musicians must be aged between 17 and 22 years old at the time of their employment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/home/education/news/iaf-recruitment-2018-apply-online-for-indian-air-force-airmen-in-group-x-y/amp_articleshow/64611519.cms|title=IAF Recruitment 2018: Apply online for Indian Air Force Airmen in Group X & y - Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.examsegg.com/airmen-in-musician-trade-of-air-force.html/amp|title = Airman in Indian Air force Musician Trade - Air force jobs|date = 18 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/english/sarkari+job+news-epaper-sarkarjn/indian+air+force+recruitment+for+airman+group+x+airman+group+y+vacancy-newsid-71517420|title = Indian Air Force Recruitment for Group X & Group y (Airmen) Vacancy - Sarkari Job News}}</ref>

In December 1996, 20 members of the band died in a plane crash involving a [[Hawker Siddeley HS 748]] in [[Dundigal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/07a09fba4c848ea8eef636897fe66e5d|title=Indian air force plane crashes, 20 people killed|website=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

===Pipe bands===
[[File:The Indian Army Band performs the Indian national anthem during the opening ceremony of Yudh Abhyas 2015.jpg|thumb|Members of the [[Kumaon Regiment]] Pipes and Drums during the opening ceremony of Yudh Abhyas in 2015]]
*[[Madras Regiment]] Pipes and Drums<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/army-bands-kick-off-independence-day-celebrations/amp_articleshow/48363984.cms|title = Army bands kick off Independence Day celebrations - the Economic Times}}</ref>
*[[Punjab Regiment (India)|Punjab Regiment]] Pipes and Drums
*[[The Garhwal Rifles]] Pipes and Drums<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/834409|jstor = 834409|title = Garhwali Bagpipes: Syncretic Processes in a North Indian Regional Musical Tradition|last1 = Alter|first1 = Andrew|journal = Asian Music|year = 1997|volume = 29|issue = 1|pages = 1–16|doi = 10.2307/834409}}</ref>
*Pipes and Drums of Indian Army Gorkha Rifle Regiments
** Pipes and Drums of 1st Gorkha Rifles
** Pipes and Drums of 3rd Gorkha Rifles
** Pipes and Drums of [[5th Battalion, 4 Gorkha Rifles]]
** Pipes and Drums of 5th Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force)
** Pipes and Drums of 11th Gorkha Rifles
*14 Gorkha Training Centre Pipes and Drums
*[[Assam Regiment]] Pipes and Drums
*[[Dogra Regiment]] Pipes and Drums
*[[Sikh Regiment]] Pipes and Drums
*[[Rajputana Rifles]] Pipes and Drums
*[[Kumaon Regiment]] Pipes and Drums
*[[Ladakh Scouts]] Pipes and Drums
*Pipes and Drums of [[The Grenadiers]]
*Pipes and Drums of the [[Jammu and Kashmir Rifles]]
*Pipes and Drums of the 12th Assam Rifles<ref name="m.telegraphindia.com">{{cite web|url=https://m.telegraphindia.com/states/north-east/cantonment-buzz-22-09-2007/cid/1533869|title = Cantonment Buzz 22-09-2007}}</ref>

In December 2018, the British Band Instrument Company announced a new agreement with the Indian Army to supply all Regimental Centres with modern bagpipes and percussion instruments for their pipe bands. The new bagpipes were played for the first time on Republic Day 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/british-band-instrument-company-marches-to-success-in-india-sdbl5wdjh|title = British Band Instrument Company marches to success in India|last1 = Hurley|first1 = James}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bbico.com/selling-bagpipes-to-india-british-company-wins-3-5m-contract-to-supply-the-entire-indian-army/|title = Selling bagpipes to India: British company wins £3.5m contract to supply the entire Indian Army|date = 3 December 2018}}</ref>

===Youth cadet bands===
[[File:Girls NCC Band of Birla Balika Vidyalaya Pilani participating at full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade-2011, in New Delhi on January 23, 2011.jpg|thumb|The Girls NCC Band from the [[Birla Balika Vidyapeeth]] school participating in a full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade in 2011. The school band has had an annual participant in the RDC Parade since 1950.]]
The [[National Cadet Corps (India)|National Cadet Corps]] maintains two cadet bands: the Boys Band of the NCC and the Girls Band of the NCC. They are commonly formed up during the NCC Republic Day Camp in late January, during which the bands participate in the Republic Day Parade on 26 January and the Prime Minister's Rally on 28 January.

==Paramilitary bands==
The following Indian paramilitary forces maintain military bands:<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-NinRMPp1cUC&q=Central+Industrial+Security+Force+Band&pg=PA113|title = Scheduled Castes Today|isbn = 9788175330603|last1 = Jha|first1 = Makhan|year = 1997}}</ref>

*[[Central Reserve Police Force]] Brass Band
*[[Central Industrial Security Force]] Band
*[[Border Security Force]] Brass Band
*[[Border Security Force Camel Band]]
*Band and Pipes and Drums of the [[Assam Rifles]]
*Other Assam Rifles Bands
*[[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]] Central Band
*[[Bihar Military Police]] Band
*[[Kolkata Armed Police]] Band

===Central Reserve Police Force Brass Band===
The Central Reserve Police Force Brass Band, which consists of 38 musicians, was raised in 1961.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/releases98/lyr2002/rjan2002/21012002/r2101200210.html|title = Latest Releases}}</ref> A pipe band was established earlier in the CRPF in 1952.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021223/main9.htm|title = The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News}}</ref> At a large parade, the band can increase its size three-fold.

===BSF Mounted Band===
[[Image:BSF-Republic day.jpeg|thumb|The unique BSF Camel Contingent during the annual [[Republic Day (India)|Republic Day]] Parade in 2004]]
The 36-member camel [[Border Security Force Camel Band|mounted band]] of the [[Border Security Force]] is one of two official bands in the BSF.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/39521/border-security-force-bsf-camelry-camel-band/|title = Did you know the Border Security Force has a camel band? Here's all about BSF and Its Camels|date = December 2015}}</ref> It is the only camel mounted military band in the world, and is mentioned in [[Guinness Book of World Records]] as such.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/jaipur/bsfs-camel-contingent-to-perform-at-republic-day-parade/amp_articleshow/56410186.cms|title=BSF's camel contingent to perform at Republic Day parade | Jaipur News - Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> It is one of the unique sights of the Delhi Republic Day parade and has been an annual participant since 1990.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xGYo-LPPRGUC&q=Border+Security+Force+Mounted+Band&pg=PA29|title=Central Police Organisations|year=2005|isbn=9788177649031}}</ref> The only time it has missed a parade was in 2016 due to a lack of preparation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/india/story/no-camel-contingent-at-r-day-parade-for-first-time-in-66-years-304232-2016-01-17|title = No camel contingent at Republic Day parade for first time in 66 years}}</ref>

===Bands of the Assam Rifles===
Different units of the [[Assam Rifles]] maintain battalion jazz and pipe bands. For example, the 12 Assam Rifles has a pipe band that was raised in [[Wokha]] in 1959.<ref name="m.telegraphindia.com"/> In 2011, the 43 Assam Rifles began its own jazz band in a remote village in [[Senapati]] as a means to bring music to the people of that area.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/43-Assam-Rifles-under-the-armys-Red-Shield-Division-organized-a-jazz-band-display-at-Saikul-a-remote-village-in-Senapati-district-to-promote-the-bonhomie-and-cultural-harmony-between-the-armed-forces-and-the-local-populace-/articleshow/9361746.cms|title = 43 Assam Rifles under the army's Red Shield Division organized a jazz band display at Saikul , a remote village in Senapati district to promote the bonhomie and cultural harmony between the armed forces and the local populace. - Times of India|website = [[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Brass bands are maintained at the Assam Rifles Training Centre and School.

With the sanction of the Commandant of the Assam Rifles, bands can engage in events hosted by private entities. The band of a unit is managed by a committee of three
officers that are appointed quarterly. When massed bands are on parade, the senior bandmaster normally conducts (with the exception of the parade commander changing him/her at their discretion). All bands are provided with copies of ''[[Jana Gana Mana]]'' and all regimental marches in the Assam Rifles. As a matter of tradition, all
bands adhere to high pitch when performing.<ref>[https://www.assamrifles.gov.in/DOCS/POLICY%2520ACTS/Assam%2520Rifles%2520Regulation%25202016(1).pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjQ8-2O3c_oAhVKnq0KHdDNDNsQFjAAegQIARAB&usg=AOvVaw1aVi9Xh8CqCH4DZOF_jX4d&cshid=1586036174211 Assam Rifles Regulation 2016]</ref>

===Indo-Tibetan Border Police Band===
The [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]] Brass Band was raised in 1973 and has been participating in Republic Day Parade annually since 1977. It has won best marching contingent in parade during the year 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004 and 2011 by marching on brass band tunes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eventfaqs.com/news/ef-06689/indo-tibetan-border-police-for-1331550678358|title=Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force Golden Jubilee Brass & Pipe Band Display}}</ref>

==Events==
===Republic Day parade===
Indian military bands play an active role in the annual [[Delhi Republic Day parade]] on the [[Rajpath]]. It is the largest and central of the [[parade]]s marking the [[Republic Day (India)|Republic Day]] celebrations in [[India]]. The bands of nine to twelve different Army regiments, as well as bands from the Navy and the Air Force march in the parade. Sub Lieutenant Ramesh Chand Katoch has set a record for leading a band contingent on the Rajpath the most, leading the Navy Band in 20 out 30 consecutive parades.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/content/654770/navy-band-masters-30th-last.html|title = Navy band master's 30th and last parade|date = 19 January 2018}}</ref>

===Beating Retreat===
The [[Beating Retreat]] is a massive gathering of Indian military bands held on Republic Day in the capital of [[New Delhi]]. It is organized by Section D of the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mod.gov.in/dod/ceremonials|title = Ceremonials | Department of Defence}}</ref> It is based on a 16th-century military ceremony in [[England]] that was first used to recall nearby patrolling units to their castle. The ceremony happens at [[Vijay Chowk]], and involves Indian military bands as well as the bands of the paramilitary services and the [[Delhi Police]] Band. Brass bands, pipes bands, and buglers from various Army Regiments perform at the ceremony.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/republic-day.htm|title = India - Background}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/information/story/beating-retreat-2019-all-you-need-to-know-1441603-2019-01-29|title=Beating retreat 2019: All you need to know}}</ref> National and religious pieces such as ''[[Abide With Me (hymn)|Abide With Me]]'', ''[[Sare Jahan se Accha]]'' and [[Sunset (bugle call)|sunset]]. The ceremony achieved a [[Guinness World Record]] mention for being the largest military band under one conductor, with its rendition of ''[[Amazing Grace]]'' including 4,459 musicians.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/19980810-musicians-from-indian-armed-forces-create-guinness-record-826844-1998-08-10|title = Musicians from Indian armed forces create Guinness record}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/just-before-monday/report-martial-music-and-the-march-of-patriotism-2712540/amp|title = Martial music and the march of patriotism}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://wap.business-standard.com/article-amp/current-affairs/beating-retreat-ceremony-with-nationalised-flavour-disappoint-many-118020301059_1.html|title = Beating Retreat ceremony with nationalised flavour disappoints many| newspaper=Business Standard India | date=4 February 2018 | last1=Shukla | first1=Ajai }}</ref>

===Independence Day===
Military bands perform on [[Independence Day (India)|Independence Day]] during the ceremony at the historical site of [[Red Fort]] in Delhi.

===Changing of the Guard===
A ceremonial [[guard mounting|changing of the guard]] is held at the [[President of India]]'s residence, the [[Rashtrapati Bhavan]]. It is held with the participation of supporting Indian military bands as well as [[President's Bodyguard (India)|President's Body Guard]] and the [[Brigade of the Guards]]. As the sentries are nominated and inspected by their officers, the band plays '[[Samman Guard|Sammaan Guard]]' (The Honour Guard) as a slow march before following that up with a formal march into the forecourt of the palace with the band playing "Sher-E-Jawan" (Tiger of a soldier). Other notable protocol tunes played at the ceremony include "Robinson" and "[[Saare Jahan Se Achcha]]" (Better than any nation). Once they assume charge, the New Guard marches off along with the band playing "Amar Jawan" (Immortal Soldier).

===Military Band Concert===
The Military Band Concert is an annual event that is part of the [[Vijay Diwas (India)|Vijay Diwas]] celebrations organized to commemorate the victory in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]] and the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]]. Apart from marching tunes, Bengali and Bangladeshi songs are also performed by band members.

===Passing out parades===
Bands commonly perform at [[Passing out (military)|Passing out parades]] for military cadets. Throughout the [[Commonwealth of Nations]], the traditions for these ceremonies are the same, [[Auld Lang Syne]] by [[Robert Burns]] often being played.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1572613|title=Passing Out Parade – Spring Term 2019 Held at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala|date=25 May 2019|website=Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence|access-date=2019-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/1637fed8772147b486987a6bd2671f49|title=SANDHURST PASSING OUT PARADE {{!}} AP Archive|website=www.aparchive.com|access-date=2019-08-07}}</ref> At the [[Indian Military Academy]], before the cadets begin the passing out parade ceremony, the band plays a melody (''[[aarti]]'')'','' allowing the cadets to pray to their respective god.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/ima-pop-a-few-beliefs-and-traditions/articleshow/69695247.cms|title=IMA POP: A few beliefs and traditions {{!}} Dehradun News – Times of India|last=Jha|first=Prashant|date=8 June 2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-08-11}}</ref>

===Foreign tattoos and parades===
In July 2009, Indian military bands marched down the [[Champs-Élysées]] with contingents from their respective services during the [[Bastille Day military parade]] to the sound of the military bands playing Indian martial tunes including ''[[Saare Jahan Se Achcha]]'', ''Haste Lushai'' and ''[[Kadam Kadam Badaye Ja]]''.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBnZjWQ77A8|title=Répétition de l'Armée Indienne à Satory pour le défilé du 14 juillet 2009|date=13 July 2009|publisher=YouTube}}</ref> The same band took part in the [[Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo]] and the [[Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festival and Tattoo]] in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-navy-band-to-participate-in-international-military-music-event-in-uk/story-jyb7NMxhwgUXVaxmWKLItJ_amp.html|title=Indian Navy band to participate in international military music event in UK|date=30 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=170196|title = Indian Navy Band to Participate in International Military Music Festival in Moscow (Russia)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ngh.co.in/the-indian-navy-band-2392-817.html |title=The Indian Navy Band - 2392 817 |access-date=2018-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718205302/https://ngh.co.in/the-indian-navy-band-2392-817.html |archive-date=2018-07-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-naval-symphonic-orchestra-–-2018 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2022}}</ref> In December 2019, for the first time, an Indian Army Band took part in the [[Victory day of Bangladesh]] parade.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://wap.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/bangladesh-marks-49th-victory-day-with-grand-parade-indian-army-band-contingent-participates-119121600735_1.html|title = In a first, Indian Army takes part in Bangladesh's 'Victory Day' parade|newspaper = Business Standard India|date = 16 December 2019|agency = Press Trust of India}}</ref>

==Notable military music personnel==
*Lieutenant Colonel Girish Kumar Unnikrishnan, Director of Music of the Tri-Services Band in [[Moscow]]
*Warrant Officer 2nd rank Suresh Kumar, director of the Indian Army Chief's Band from 1988
*Captain S.S. Nagra, former Inspector of Army Bands
*Harold Joseph, former music director of the Indian Army
*Jerome Rodrigues, LMME LTCL former music director of the Indian Navy
*Commander Sebastian Anchees, former music director of the Indian Navy
*Major Nazir Hussain, was the Advisor in Military Music at the Army Headquarters from 1997 to 2004
*Major Karun Khanna, director of the Beating Retreat from 1974 to 1976
*Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar, Band Master of the IAF Band since 2008<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/25th-republic-day-parade-for-iaf-bandmaster/article30560682.ece|title=25th Republic Day parade for IAF bandmaster|newspaper=The Hindu|date=13 January 2020|last1=Peri|first1=Dinakar}}</ref>
*J.N. Roy Choudhary, instructor of music at the [[Military Music Wing]] and composer of ''[[Deshon Ka Sartaj Bharat]]''<ref>{{cite book |title=The School Musician Director and Teacher |year=1966 |publisher=Ammark Pub. Co. |page=80 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0nA9AAAAMAAJ&q=%22Deshon+Ka+Sartaj%22 |access-date=2009-01-08}}</ref>
*M.S. Neer, VSM, LMME-LTCL, Former Music Director, Indian Navy
*L.B. Gurung
*Nirmal Chandra Vij
*Master Chief Petty Officer 1st Class and Honorary Lieutenant Ramesh Chand Katoch, Band Master of the Indian Navy Band until 2018
*Master Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class and Honorary Sub-Lieutenant Vincent Johnson, Band Master of the Indian Navy Band since 2018
*Wing Commander Gopalakrishnan Jayachandran, Director of Music and Principal Conductor for No. 1 Air Force Band

==Marches==
{{listen
|filename=Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja.ogg
|title=''Qadam Qadam Badhaye Ja''
|description=[[Ram Singh Thakuri|Ram Singh Thakuri's]] "[[Qadam Qadam Badhaye Ja]]", quick march of the [[Indian Army]], performed by [[Maratha Light Infantry]] Silver and Jazz Band
|filename2=Samman Guard.ogg
|title2=''Samman Guard''
|description2=L.B. Gurung's "[[Samman Guard]]", slow march of the [[Indian Army]], performed by [[Indian Army Chief's Band]]
|filetype=[[Ogg]]
|pos=right}}
{{listen
|filename=Jai Bharati.ogg
|title=''Jai Bharati''
|description= M. Dias's "Jai Bharati", quick march of the [[Indian Navy]], performed by [[Indian Navy Band]]
|filename2=Anand Lok.ogg
|title2=''Anand Lok''
|description2="Anand Lok", slow march of the [[Indian Navy]]
|filetype=[[Ogg]]
|pos=right}}
{{listen
|filename=Desh Pukare Jab Sab Ko.ogg
|title=''Desh Pukare Jab Sab Ko''
|description=Zohra L. Shaw's "Desh Pukare Jab Sab Ko", quick march of the [[Indian Air Force]], performed by [[Indian Air Force Band|No. 1 Air Force Band]]
|filename2=Vayu Sena Nishan.ogg
|title2=''Vayu Sena Nishan''
|description2=John Antony George's "Vayu Sena Nishan", slow march of the [[Indian Air Force]]
|filetype=[[Ogg]]
|pos=right}}
The band performs a number of slow and quick marches such as:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://members.tripod.com/sachin_pk/XDrive/Marches.html|title = Indian Military Marches}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/today/27-indian-military-marches.html|title = Indian Military Marches - Bharat Rakshak - Indian Army & Land Forces}}</ref>

{{Col div}}
* ''[[Sare Jahan se Accha]]'' (Patriotic March)
* ''[[Qadam Qadam Badaye Ja]]'' (Army Quick March)
* ''[[Samman Guard]]'' (Army Slow March)
* ''Desh Pukare Jab Sab Ko'' (Air Force Quick March)
* ''Vayu Sena Nishaan'' (Air Force Slow March)
* ''Jai Bharati'' (Navy Quick March)
* ''Anand Lok'' (Navy Slow March)
* ''[[Vande Mataram]]''
* ''[[Deshon Ka Sartaj Bharat]]''
* ''General Salute''
* ''Naval Ensign''
* ''Sea Lord''
* ''Indian Fleet''
* ''Voice of the Guns''
* ''Have the NCC Spirit in You
* ''Bravo Warriors''
* ''Flying Star''
* ''Battle of the Sky''
* ''Stride''
* ''Gulmarg''
* ''Benihaal''
* ''Nirmaljit''
* ''Amar Senani'' (The Immortal Soldier)
* ''Dhwaj Ka Rakshak'' (Defenders of the Flag)
* ''Uthari Seemaye'' (The Northern Frontiers)
* ''Suvruth'' (The Holy Oath)
* ''Vijayi Bharath'' (India, the Victorious)
* ''Hind Maha Sagar'' (The mighty Indian Ocean)
* ''Nabh Rakshak'' (Defenders of the Air)
* ''Antariksh Baan'' (Arrow in the Air)
* ''Dhwani Avrodh'' (Sound Barrier)
* ''Siki Amole'' (Precious Coins)
{{Col div end}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:US Navy 040909-N-1212B-002 Musician 3rd Class Jesse Carmona, third from right, assigned to the Pacific Fleet rock band, Tsunami, plays with the Indian Navy Band.jpg
File:Indian Army band with ASEAN flag bearer contingent passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.jpg|Indian Army bands marching behind an [[ASEAN]] flag bearer contingent through the [[Rajpath]]
File:The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind with the Indian Army Band Contingents (participants of the Beating Retreat Ceremony) and Provost Outrides, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 30, 2018.jpg|Members of the Band of the [[Rajputana Rifles]]
File:Border Security Force Band marching contingent playing ‘Vijay Bharat’ passes through the Rajpath during the 63rd Republic Day Parade-2012, in New Delhi on January 26, 2012.jpg|BSF band marching contingent during the 63rd Republic Day Parade
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Commons category|Military bands of India}}

; India related
* [[Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas]]
* [[Delhi Republic Day parade#Beating Retreat|Beating retreat in India]]
* [[Deshon Ka Sartaj Bharat]]
* [[Indian Army Chief's Band]]
* [[Military Music Wing]]
* [[Music of India]]
* [[President's Bodyguard]]
* [[Tri-Services Guard of Honour (India)]]
* [[Samman Guard]]
* [[Guard of honour]]

; Other related topics
* [[Sri Lankan military bands]]
* [[Royal Corps of Army Music]]
* [[United States military bands]]
* [[Russian military bands]]

==Videos==
*[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=upSVEYPpjFs Tri Services Band Concert]
*[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6JhYKDcwaRQ The Band Spasskaya Tower in 2009]
*[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eY3srdxSjWg Indian Air Force band performs at Beating Retreat ceremony in Delhi]
*[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QW3nzmfYv7Y Military music is alive and flourishing in the Indian armed forces!]

==Sources==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{YouTube|p=OLAK5uy_lV8f1izTpQojb_VPCBWzpTUWCreY_-vnA|Martial Music Of The Indian Army Vol 1}}
* {{YouTube|p=OLAK5uy_lkLYmSPrxTAAvnivrtACvW2i356_oWp8M|Martial Music Of The Indian Army Vol 2}}
* {{YouTube|p=OLAK5uy_mYJXE1CPjWjzzLs22JKHYr6T1vLok5uJg|Martial Music Of The Indian Army Vol 3}}
* {{YouTube|p=OLAK5uy_nv4HytqlkzxZrFIQCbJT8mpZmKQoCam2s|Martial Music Of The Indian Army Vol 4}}

{{Military of India}}
[[Category:Indian military bands| ]]
[[Category:Military units and formations of India]]
[[Category:Indian music]]
[[Category:Military of India]]
[[Category:Indian ceremonial units]]

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Indian military bands