The Marine Band
based in Rotterdam, was founded in 1945 and is in fact the continuation of the pre-war Regimental Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Nowadays this ensemble is made up of 53 professional musicians who, combined with the artistic and creative abilities of their conductors, have substantially contributed to the development and appreciation of military music in the Netherlands. It is the musical visiting card of the Royal Netherlands Navy and with a characteristic ‘Sound & Drive’, the band has won the hearts of a large public.

The band’s principal responsibility is the musical accompaniment of military ceremonial events for the Royal Family, Government and the Royal Netherlands Navy. Traditional highlights are the annual opening of the States General (Prinsjesdag), the Netherlands Military Tattoo, Remembrance Day and the Marine Corps concert. But there’s much more than just marching music on the repertoire; this symphonic wind band is extremely versatile and its musical styles range from classical, popular, Dixieland and big band to chamber music, including a string ensemble.

The busy annual programme makes great demands on this musical company including preparation, organizing and rehearsing to ensure attractive presentation and musical quality. The band travels thousands of miles each year, performing both at home and abroad, living up to the Dutch Marines’ motto Qua Patet Orbis: As far as the world extends.

In combination with radio & television presentations and the countless albums sold worldwide, the Marine Band sound reaches far beyond the Dutch borders, not just to most European countries, but also to the United States, Russia, Japan, the Netherlands Antilles and Dubai for example.

Among these international performances are the accompaniments of international performing artists and cooperation with other orchestras as The United States Marine Band “The Presidents Own” and The Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines.

Another musical part of the Royal Netherlands Navy is formed by the Fifes and Drums of the Marine Corps of the Royal Netherlands Navy (Tamboers en Pijpers van het Korps Mariniers). These marines received, after their training by the Marine Corps, a musical specialization as a hornblower and drummer or fifer. The specific sound of the Fifes and Drums is well-known within the Navy; all military personnel developed their marching skills on their music. A highly appreciated ensemble formed out of this corps is the Steelband. With their sunshiny, tropical sound they can make every occasion delightful.

The Marine Band and the Fifes and Drums often perform on military ceremonial occasions, celebrations and (inter)national tattoos together.