Musica militar is the music used by military units and it has always been an important symbol of identity, just as much as the unit's colours or flag. Music is also very often used as an instrument of communication on the battlefield, and the sound of a bugle or trumpet can be quite an effective signal.
Throughout history, armies have employed musicians with instruments such as bagpipes, fifes, flutes, brass and even drums to accompany them in their daily activities and on the battlefield. The use of this type of music was important for the ancient armies as it was easy to convey orders and in addition could serve as a motivational tool for the troops.
The arrival of the Crusaders in the medieval world brought Saracen military instruments and a concept of musical accompaniment with them. This led to the development of the marching bands as we know them today. This is also when the military brass instruments became popular, initially with natural brass instruments but later after a flurry of invention and the development of keyed bugles and valved brass instruments enabling chromatic notes to be played.
In modern times, military bands can be found all over the world and they are often based in major cities in each country. These bands have a number of tasks such as providing the soundtrack to parades, performing ceremonial duties and serving as a public relations instrument for military units. They are also the main source of entertainment for those who attend military events.
There are many types of military bands and each country has its own traditions. For example, the Armed Forces Mehter Band (Mehter Bolugu) in Turkey maintains a tradition of Ottoman military music that dates back to the 13th century. This band has participated in military ceremonies around the world and is currently a permanent fixture in the Istanbul Military Museum.
A number of countries also maintain a Música militar mounted band that serves cavalry and occasionally artillery formations. The Banda de Tacuari of the Regiment of Patricians of the Argentine Army is one example and wears uniforms from 1806. The Banda Ituzaingo of the 1st Artillery Regiment of the Chilean Army also sports a mounted band that follows Argentine practice.
The Argentine Navy fields the Band of the Argentine Naval Academy and the Navy Staff Band. The Argentine Air Force has its own Band of the Air Force NCO Academy and the Band of the Argentine Air Force NCO School. The Brazilian Armed Forces also field a number of military-styled bands such as the Band of the 1st Brigade and the Band of the Air Force NCO School.
The Uruguayan Army has its own mounted band which follows Argentine practice and uses a combination of brass and woodwind instruments. The Army's General Gervasio Artigas's Band also follows this tradition but is unique in that it uses bugles in its field section. Other examples include the Band of the Argentine Naval School and the Buenos Aires Police Music Band.
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