English: The famed white head dress known as the Pith Helmet worn by Her Majesty's Royal Marines Band rests on top of drums prior to a performance.

The development of music in the Royal Marines is inextricably linked with the evolution of British military bands. Lively airs and the beat of the drum enabled columns of marching men to keep a regular step. The drum was the normal method of giving signals on the battlefield or in camp. As long ago as the days of Drake and Hawkins the drummer's rhythm would advertise the changing watches or beat the men to quarters.

Without doubt, groups of musicians existed in the Service before this, but in 1767 Royal Marines Divisional Bands were formed at Chatham, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Deal.

The original Royal Marines Band Service, together with its headquarters, the Royal Naval School of Music, was founded in 1903 to provide Bands for the Royal Navy. The task of forming the school was assigned to the Royal Marines and from then on the Band Service became an integral part of the Corps. Its original home was Eastney Barracks Portsmouth; where it remained until 1930 when it was transferred to the Royal Marines Depot, Deal.

• Organization: ROYAL NAVY
• Object Name: FX120441002
• Category: MOD
• Supplemental Categories: People, Music, Royal Marines
• Keywords: Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Band, Service, Helmets, Pith, Headwear, Drums, Corp of Drums
• Country: UK