The Band of HM Royal Marines Collingwood

The Royal Marines Band Service is world renowned for the quality of the musical and visual splendour of its marching bands and versatility in performing a wide range of musical styles to a high standard on the concert platform.  All musical genres are embraced and Royal Marines musicians and buglers are capable of performing a variety of musical ensembles including fanfare teams, show and function bands, orchestras and chamber ensembles; in fact almost any familiar musical ensemble.  Our instantly recognisable Corps of Drums bring precision drill with their intricate ceremonial drum beatings.  A flavour of the Ceremonial and State occasions of which the Royal Marines Bands form such 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 entertaining and spectacular.

The versatility of Royal Marines musicians and buglers is not just confined to musical performances.  The Royal Marines Band Service is also required to assume a wide range of duties in support of military operations.  Predominantly these roles are with the Royal Navy Medical Service either ashore with 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines or afloat with the Primary Casualty Receiving Facility onboard RFA ARGUS.  Royal Marines Bands have been deployed on all major military operations including the Falklands, Iraq and most recently, Afghanistan.  Royal Marines Band Service personnel have also been deployed to UK emergencies such as the Fireman’s Strikes.

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood was formed on 16 June 2009 as a direct result of the closure of the Band based at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. Since its inception the Band has performed at many events including high profile occasions such as the Lord Mayor’s Show in London, the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo, the Mountbatten Festival of Music with the Massed Bands of the Royal Marines at the Royal Albert Hall, the South Coast Prom and Bournemouth Air Show.  It is the first Royal Marines Band to march into the Palace of Westminster and has visited Guernsey, Walcheren and the Falkland Islands.  In addition to its musical commitments the RM Band Collingwood has deployed on RFA ARGUS to exercise its operational roles.  Forthcoming commitments include a visit to Shanghai sponsored by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to represent the UK at the Shanghai Expo.

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood continues to make its contribution to the Naval Service and wider UK interests.  It provides musical support to commemorative events and veteran’s parades.  It’s concerts raise funds for Service charities and it performs for events on the national level and  for local communities.

Last updated 6 September 2010