Bands of the South African National Defence Force
There are currently 9 main military bands currently belonging to the
Main functions
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SANDF Marching Bands |
The main responsibility for military bands in the SANDF is to provide musical support to the
Corps of Bandsmen
Founded in 1969, the South African Army Corps of Bandsmen (SACB) is the main military band service of the South African Army.[5][1] It presides over the 5 military bands of the army as well as the NCG Band. Army Bandsman are required to wear the No 1 Dress Uniform, which is also worn by the National Ceremonial Guard (NCG).[6]
Army Band Cape Town
The South African Army Band Cape Town is based in Cape Town and is the oldest regular force band in the country. It originated in 1915 as the regimental band of the 1st Battalion, The Cape Corps, a famous fighting unit of World War I. When the Cape Corps was disestablished in 1919, the band continued on a part-time basis. When the Cape Corps was re-activated at the start of the Second World War, the band returned to full-time service in the regiment. Although Cape Corps was disbanded for the last time in 1992, the 42-member band was retained as one of the five regional Army bands and was renamed to SA Army Band Cape Town under the directorship of Major Chris Nicholls.
In 2006, Lieutenant Martin Chandler, the youngest qualified director in the Corps of Bandsmen, succeeded Nicholls as Director of Music. The band has won the best many marching band awards and is widely regarded as one of the foremost military bands in
Army Band Limpopo
The South African Army Band Limpopo, based in Polokwane, traces its roots back to the first South African Permanent Force Band, which was formed in the 1930s. The band Limpopo came into being when the former Venda Defence Force Band and the Far Northern Transvaal Command Staff Band were combined. The current Director of Music, Captain Benedict Sibande, is one of only a few South African bandsmen to study at the Royal Military School of Music in the United Kingdom.
Army Band Kroonstad
The South African Army Band Kroonstad based in Kroonstad, is the regional military band serving the Free State province. It was founded in 1977, when the excellent Correctional Services Band was dissolved as a result of re-organization in that department. Many bandsmen from that band were transferred to the South African Army and became founder members of the new Kroonstad Band. The band was re-formed on 1 April 1997. In 2008, it became the first South African band to visit the United States when it participated in the Virginia International Tattoo. The Director of Music of the band is Major Dawie Fourie, one of the Correctional Services founder members. The Kroonstad Band is generally regarded as one of the best military bands in South Africa.
Regalia
Insignia
Garment with Pocket: Centred on the right pocket | ||
Garment without Pocket: 10 millimetres (0.39 in) below the name badge | ||
Insignia | ||
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SA Army Band Uniform - National Flag Red with Gold Stripes | ||
Level 1 | Level II | Level III |
SACB Insignia
Description | Service Dress | Embossed | ||
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Musician |
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Senior Musician |
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Principle Musician |
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Chief Musician |
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Group Leader |
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Band Master |
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Music Director |
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Senior Director |
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Head Dress
Cap Badge | Beret | Service Dress Cap |
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No Image | No Image |
Uniforms
Jacket | Trousers |
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NCO Rank
Staff Sergeant | Sergeant | Corporal | Lance Corporal | |
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NCG Band
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MILITARY BAND IN JOHANNESBURG (SOUTH AFRICA 1965) |
The National Ceremonial Guard Band (NCG Band) is the military band unit attached to the NCG. It is led by Music Director Lt. Col. Andrew Strugnell[when?]. The NCG Band serves as the seniormost band of the entire SANDF. Since 2001, the band has undertaken the role training of military bandsmen from Namibia and Botswana.[7]: 4–11
Regimental Bands
Cape Field Artillery
The
Cape Town Highlanders
The Drums and Pipes participated in a special parade centenary for the Queen Mother in
Transvaal Scottish Regiment
The
Durban Regiment
Since its inception, the
The Duke's Band
The Duke's Band is a brass and reed band maintained by the
Kimberly Regiment
As per regimental traditions, the Kimberley Regiment Pipe Band adheres to its distinctly Scottish traditions, which is evident in the uniforms and regimental culture.[11] Its history began in 1927 with the arrival of brothers Angus and Hamish Scott came to Kimberley in 1926 to work for what is now known as Tech Cominco. The following year, the brothers, along with a small group of pipers and drummers, established the Kimberley Pipe Band. Since 1977, the military tattoos have been held to commemorate the anniversaries of the Pipe Band.[12]
Historical regimental bands
- Transvaalse StaatsartillerieBand
- D'Urban Cavalry Band[13]
- South African Irish Regiment Pipes and Drums[14]
Other military bands
The South African Navy Band (SAN Band) supports the ceremonial activities of the South African Navy. The band was originated as the First Permanent Force Band of the Union Defence Force in 1934. Over the years it has changed its name several times before keeping its current name in December 1954. In May 1955 the band transferred to
The first Officer in Charge of the band was R.S. "Steel" Downey, who is considered by many band members as the “Father of the South African Navy Band”. He served as remained involved with the band until his retirement in 1958. He still continued to work with the band until his death in September 1976. The first Director of Music appointed was Lt(SP) John Imrie who was previously Assistant Director of Music of the SA Air Force Band. The band is made up of 47 members who have a history of taking part in international military music festivals since 2002. This band performs anywhere between 150 and 200 musical engagements during a calendar year with its Marching Band, Concert Band, Dance Band, Marimba Group and Chamber Group.
Past Directors of Music
Commander John Imrie, Commander Ron Marlow, Commander Mike Oldham, Commander Kenny Leibbrandt, Commander Lindela Madikizela (Current)
South African Air Force Band
The South African Air Force Band (SAAF Band), formerly known as the Union Defence Force Band, is the official military band of the
South African Military Health Services Band
The South African Military Health Services Band (SAMHS Band) supports the ceremonial activities of the South African Military Health Service. It was formed in the late 1960s as the National Service Band under the leadership of WO1 ‘Stoney’ Steenkamp. Since the early 1980s, the band has offered full-time jobs in the band. The band also maintains a pipes and drums unit, which is commonly known as the SAMHS Pipes and Drums.
See also
- South African Army corps and branches
- List of badges of the South African Army
- Military band
- Corps of drums
- List of marching bands
References
- ^ a b c Cousins, F.A.M. Sgt (1981). "MILITARY MUSIC IN SOUTH-AFRICA: A CRITICAL STUDY OF ITS USE IN TIME OF PEACE AND ITS POTENTIAL IN TIME OF WAR, TOGETHER WITH CONSTRUCTIVE IDEAS FOR INCREASING EFFICIENCY". Scientia Militaria: South African Journal of Military Studies. 11 (3). Stellenbosch. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 January 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
- ^ "Militaria: Periodical for military history". Director General Personnel. 1980.
- ^ Makhubela, Itumeleng, SSgt (March 2018). "Military bands formed the essence of Armed Forces Day celebrations". Archived from the original on 25 Jun 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ISBN 9780868430140.
- ^ Wright, Al G.; Newcomb, Stanley Peter (1970). "Bands of the world".
- ^ "SA Army Military Skills Development System:Corps of Bandsmen". SA Army: Military skills development system. 13 December 2010. Archived from the original on 21 January 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
- ^ "EVALUATION PROCEDURES IN IDMAC-REGULATED SERVICE BANDS" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-08-26. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
- ^ a b "Roll Call: Cape Field Artillery". Memories of the Cape Town Military Tattoo. 2017-01-13. Retrieved 2021-06-01.
- ^ "Pipes & Drums". Archived from the original on 15 August 2018.
- ^ "The Transvaal Scottish Pipes & Drums Republic of South Africa". Archived from the original on 2018-08-14. Retrieved 2020-01-14.
- ^ A very brief Regimental History. Kimberley Regiment Association. 2010.
- ^ "Kimberley's Pipe Band celebrates 90 years". Kimberley Daily Bulletin. Archived from the original on 2020-01-25. Retrieved 2021-06-01.
- ^ "South African Military History Society - Journal - Gallant Gentlemen 1855-1865". samilitaryhistory.org. Retrieved 2021-06-01.
- ^ "Tour Presentation".[dead link]
- ^ "SA Navy Band History". Archived from the original on 2018-08-17. Retrieved 2018-08-17.
- ^ "Ensemble". Archived from the original on 2018-08-29. Retrieved 2018-08-17.
- ^ "Fortnightly Digest of South African Affairs". 1957.
- ^ "The South African Air Force". www.saairforce.co.za. Retrieved 2021-06-01.
- ^ "Air Force Band". www.af.mil.za. Archived from the original on 2006-09-24.
- ^ "South African Digest". 1985.
External links
- Official South African Army website Archived 2006-04-22 at the Wayback Machine
- Official South African Navy Band website Archived 2018-08-31 at the Wayback Machine