From time immemorial, musical bands have been important parts of military life.
Bands have stimulated patriotism and morale, and helped keep marching troops “in step.”
Surely, everyone remembers the colorful “fife and drum” image from the days of the American Revolution.
But military music predated 1776. In fact, orders have long been issued by many nations in the heat of battle by means of drums, bugles, bagpipes and other instruments.
Maintaining American military bands these days is not inexpensive, however.