The Band of H.M. Royal Marines

Comprising five ensembles stationed at separate locations throughout the United Kingdom, the Band of H.M. Royal Marines serves as the official musical wing of the Royal Navy. Established in 1903 and currently headquartered at the Royal Marines School of Music inside HMS Nelson in Portsmouth, these groups require every performer to achieve proficiency on one string instrument and one wind instrument alike. Since the 1980s the separate units have issued dozens of self-released albums while continuing to fulfill their regular military obligations. Only in 2011 did the Band of H.M. Royal Marines Portsmouth secure a contract with the classical label Decca, thereby issuing their first recording under a major imprint. The resulting album Summon the Heroes included appearances by tenor Alfie Boe and talent-show victor Mary-Jess and reached number 21 on the U.K. chart.