What is an Anti-War Song?

Introduction Some anti-war songs lament aspects of wars, while others satirise war. Most promote peace in some form, while others sing out against specific armed conflicts. Still others depict the physical and psychological destruction that warfare causes to soldiers, innocent civilians, and humanity as a whole. Many of these songs are considered protest songs, and… Read More

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What is a War Song?

Introduction A war song is a musical composition that relates to war, or a society’s attitudes towards war. They may be pro-war, anti-war, or simply a description of everyday life during war times. It is possible to classify these songs by historical conflict: “First World War songs”, “Second World War songs”, “Vietnam War songs”, and… Read More

What is Martial Music?

Introduction Martial music or military music is a specific genre of music intended for use in military settings performed by professional soldiers called field musicians. Much of the military music has been composed to announce military events as with bugle calls and fanfares, or accompany marching formations with drum cadences, or mark special occasions as… Read More

What is the Rogue’s March?

Introduction The Rogue’s March (also Poor Old Soldier, in some contexts Poor Old Tory or The Rogue’s Tattoo) is a derisive piece of music, formerly used in the British, American and Canadian military for making an example of delinquent soldiers, typically when drumming them out of the regiment. It was also played during the punishment… Read More

A Brief Overview of British Military Bands

Introduction This article provides a brief outline of the bands within the British Armed Forces. Royal Air Force Bands Royal Air Force Music Services has its origins in the RAF School of Music which was established by Walford Davies in 1918. Name Location (2018) Establishment (2018) Remarks Headquarters Music Services RAF Northholt 11 Central Band… Read More

What is the Band of the Royal Air Force College?

Introduction The Band of the Royal Air Force (RAF) College is based at RAF Cranwell and is one of three established bands in the Royal Air Force. It is the music ensemble of the Royal Air Force College Cranwell. Background Formed in 1920 and based at RAF Cranwell, the Band of the Royal Air Force… Read More

What is the Central Band of the Royal Air Force?

Introduction The Central Band of the Royal Air Force (RAF) is a RAF regular band and is part of Royal Air Force Music Services. The motto of the band is Aere Invicti (Latin for “Invincible with the Brass”). Brief History The Central Band of the RAF was formed in 1920, shortly after the RAF had… Read More