Indian Army Chief's Band

The Indian Army Chief's Band is the Indian Army's full-time music band. It was founded in 1990 as the official band of the Indian Army and the foremost in the armed forces. It also, as its name implies, represents the Chief of the Army Staff at events involving the COAS's presence. The band represents India in most important state events held in the Indian capital. It was raised in 1990 with bandsmen being drawn multiple Indian military bands in order to "retain the true representation of the entire nation in one band". In April 2011, a string section was added, consisting of cellos, violas and violins, elevating it to a symphony orchestra comprising 72 musicians.[1] Outside of the Indian Army, it has also represented the Indian nation at various military music festivals in France, Italy, Sweden, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and Bangladesh.[2]

Indian Army Chief's Band
The band during the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Active1990 (1990)
Country India
Branch Indian Army
Size44 members
Part ofHeadquarters, Indian Army
Garrison/HQNew Delhi
MarchQuick: Qadam Qadam Badaye Ja
Slow: Samman Guard
Commanders
Current
commander
Warrant Officer 2 Suresh Kumar Sharma

Structure

The band consists of the following ensembles:

  • Parade Band
  • Symphony Orchestra
  • Brass ensemble
  • Percussion ensemble
  • Woodwind ensemble
  • Jazz ensemble
  • Vocalist group

Initially, the band played with percussion, brass and woodwind sections.[1] Today, the band uses traditional Indian instruments such as the Mridangam, the Tabla, and the Carnatic. In addition other traditional instruments such as the Santoor, Sitar and Jaltarang have been incorporated in the band.[3]

Events

The band performs at ceremonial events with the Indian Army, including the Presentation of Colours and the annual Delhi Republic Day parade on the Rajpath. In the latter, the band is not a marching contingent but rather is located away from the road in an area near the national flag during which it performs Jana Gana Mana the presentation of honours by the President's Bodyguard. It also performs at state dinners held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, hosted by the President of India for a foreign head of state. It also performs at community events in its vicinity.

Specific events

See also

India related
Other related

References

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