The Band of HM Royal Marines Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth

The Royal Marines Band Service is famous throughout the world for the quality of its music making, precision of drill and visual splendour. The primary role of the five bands is to provide musical support for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, although during times of conflict they may be called upon to provide a wide range of military duties including medical support and Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Decontamination teams. The musicians – most of who play several instruments – are renowned for their versatility. Each band can provide a concert band, dance band, marching band and an orchestra. In addition to the main combinations, each band can also provide a Corps of Drums, fanfare team, chamber ensembles, small dance combinations and almost any recognised musical ensemble.

A Royal Marines Band has been present in Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, since 1956. The Band was formed when the band serving aboard the aircraft carrier ‘HMS TRIUMPH’, a ship that had for many years been associated with the training of Royal Navy Officer Cadets, disembarked and became integrated within the establishment. Within the College, the Band provides musical support for the parade and ceremonial training of young officers, and the orchestral combinations provide the suitable accompaniment for official dinners. Away from Dartmouth, the Band takes a full and active part in the wider role of the Royal Marines Band Service through national and international engagements.

On the 28th of April 2004 the Band was granted the Freedom of Entry to the Town of Dartmouth in recognition of its commitment to the local community. This is the first time that such an honour has been awarded to a Royal Marines Band.

2005 was a busy year for the Band as it played an integral part of the College’s centenary celebrations. Along with the myriad of local engagements, the Band also undertook many performances around the country, including televised appearance at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and part of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Foreign engagements included performances in Italy, Antwerp, Oman and Washington DC. In October the Band visited Gibraltar to participate in events celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, the highlight of which was a spectacular concert in St Michael’s cave.

This year the Band looks forward to joining the Massed Bands of HM Royal Marines on Horse Guards Parade in June and a Summer Spectacular Concert at the Britannia Royal Naval College in July in celebration of 50 glorious years of the Band being based in Dartmouth.

Last Updated 05 January 2006