This book is the first ever endeavour of its kind to introduce the importance of military bands in the public and private lives of humankind, in State governance, and in international relations including war and peace. The term ‘military band’, which is erroneously taken to mean bands held by the armed forces, has a much broader meaning that includes, but is in no way limited to, the defence forces’ band. Every band using brass or woodwind instruments within the military or without, is known as ‘military band’.