The Navy League of Canada
B.C. Mainland Division
Band Manual
Introduction
This manual has been prepared by BC Mainland Division for the
information and guidance of all Navy League Cadet Band Officers and
Cadet Band Members in the execution of their assigned duties within a
Cadet Corps Band.
It is expected that each Corps Officer, Civilian Instructor and Senior Cadet
will be fully conversant with this enclosed information and routines.
Unless otherwise approved by Division, Corps Commanding Officers
shall adhered to the standards, procedures and requirements specified
herein.
Any additions or amendments that may be made to this manual will be the
direct responsibility of BC Mainland Division. Changes may be made by
submitting a copy of the specific page in question with comments attached
for review by Division. Additions or suggestions may likewise be forward-
ded for review to Division for consideration. Each Corps Commanding
Officer will be responsible for keeping this manual up to date with
Changes issued by Division.
This manual is to be accounted for and listed with other manuals issued
both National Council and Division on Stores Muster form BC (15).
Band Musical Routines
Example
A. Parade Nights and Specific Routines
Marching on the Guard and Band Play Men of Harlech
Divisions/Colours Play O’Canada
General Salute Play General Salute
Musical Salute
Royalty or Lieutenant Governor Play The Queen
Vice Regal Salute
Inspection Music Play Scipio, Globe & Laurel
Duke of York
March Past Play Heart of Oak twice or add
Men of Harlech
Advance in Ceremonial Review Play Last measure of Maple Leaf
Sunset Routine Play Sunset, The Queen
B. Street Parades
Musical order of playing Men of Harlech
Maple Leaf Forever
Sink the Bismark
Ayes the Bye
Heart of Oak
Scotland the Brave
C. Slow Marches Scipio
Globe and Laurel
Preoberjensky
NOTE: All songs above begin with a three beat roll. There are step beats between
Each song. When Reviewing Stand is in sight, Heart of Oak is played continuously.
General Salute for a Reviewing Officer
Glock or Bugler Routine
- Colours and Sunset
XO orders: “Officers & Supernumeries, inward turn” Sound the Alert
Guard Officer/PO: “Guard – General Salute – Present arms”
(Band ready) (Band plays)
Guard Officer/PO “Guard – Shoulder arms” Sound Carry On
NOTE: The Bos’n call is not piped when there is a band present.
B. General Salute for a Reviewing Officer
As the Reviewing Officer steps onto the dais, the Glocks or Bugler
sounds the alert.
Guard Officer/PO orders “Guard – General Salute – Present arms”
All Divisional Officers/PO’s, Chief and Messenger salute.
Guard Officer/PO orders “Guard – Shoulder arms”
As the Guard assumes the position of Carry or Slope arms, all salutes
come down in unison.
Band Display
Example
A. Movements on the March
Men of HarlechThe Drum Major gives the step off signal. The
Bass Drummer gives the knock on and the band
splits off left and right, going left – right – centre
forming single file marching into a spiral form-
ation.
Scipio/Maple Leaf orThe band forms a figure of eight. Cut between
each band member cleanly, shorten or lengthen
pace as required. Continue twice.
Anchors AwayThe band comes out of figure of eight formation
and reforms threes. The Drum Major gives the
the wave signal and the rear rank begins to
weave through the band followed by the rest of
the band. Do this routine twice, spiral counter-
march and march back into original positions
facing the dais. At this point the band forms an
anchor.
- Display at the Halt
Top Gun ThemeThe lead glock plays song through first as a
solo, then when played a second time, the
drums play along with slow rock beat.
Peter PiperGlocks play solo first then accompanied by the
drums.
Ordinary MiracleLead glock opens with solo through the first
Verse and then with the drums playing a slow
bock beat.
Drummers CallDrummers advance forward with cadence. The
Lead tip will play a drum roll and the snare
drummers close up together with the bass
drummer behind. At the completion of the call
the lead tip will play a drum roll and drummers
will reform into the band.
Globe and LaurelCan be played as an optional song for either
marching routine or at the halt. This song is a
slow march.
Heart of OakCan be played as a march past song to complete
the display.
- Important Notes
The coordination and timing of the signals between the Drum Major
And the Bass Drummer is very important. The Bass Drummer is respo-
sible for maintaining the TEMPO and even rhythm. Posture, stance and
reaction to signals with smart movements is the key to looking smart
and military. Concentrate on each movement at a time, at the same
time thinking ahead about what comes next. Remember “PRACTICE
MAKES PERFECT” DO NOT BEND THE ARMS and KEEP HEADS UP.
Band Check List
Things to be done Check off when done
01 / Shirt and pants cleaned and pressed02 / Caps, lanyards, gaiters, slings whitened
03 / Belts and buckles cleaned (do not polish buckles)
04 / Chin stays should fit comfy and be pressed
05 / Buttons should be sewn on tightly, badges neatly
06 / Socks should be black
07 / Boots highly polished all over, laces tied correctly
08 / Cap tally should have neatly a tied bow
09 / Hair is to be kept neat and trim and off the collar
10 / Girls must keep long hair up inside cap, No earrings
11 / Instruments are to be polished, shiny & maintained
12 / Check that you have ALL your gear before leaving
Important Points to Remember
Reviewing Officer:If he/she talks to you, speak up and look
straight ahead and don’t forget the SIR or
MA’AM
Concentration:Try to concentrate and take each part of the
Inspection routine as it happens. Then you may
think about what you have to remember at one
time.
Inspection Day:Be sure you have a good breakfast and or
lunch. Drink lots of juice. Relax in the
morning, read your notes and don’t rush
around.
Marks of Respect:You are required to salute when crossing the Quarter-
deck or talking to and passing an officer. All instru-
ments are to be carried in the left hand. Their will be
other officers from other corps. Show proper respects
to them and demonstrate that our band is well disci-
plined, polite and efficient.
Trophies & Awards If you should be called up for a trophy or an award
reply “SIR/MA’AM”, fall out of your position smartly
march up to the front, halt and salute. After receiving
the award, return the salute and march smartly back to
the band. Report to the Band Officer or Drum Major
before returning to the band.
CHAPTER 2
Band Master
1.General
This outline is to better prepare an NL bandmaster to effectively train
a corps band.
It is emphasized that Navy League Cadets desiring to join the corps,
do so with little, if any musical knowledge or skill. The goal of band train-
ing should be to introduce the cadets to music and band drill, not to turn out
professional musicians. Band training should be conducted with the view of
turning out a credible performance, encouraging dress, drill, teamwork
while maintaining a spirit of enjoyment for all.
Band training should meet the following basic objectives:
a)To maintain the cadet with the philosophy of cadet bands -
the authorization and reasons for their formation, their function
and relationship to the corps and its training program and what
standards of performance are reasonably expected of cadet
band members.
b)To introduce the cadet to the language and elements of music
and to provide basic training on the musical instrument of his
or her choice.
c)To give the cadet an appreciation of the problems associated
with performance on musical instruments – e.g. brass, wood-
winds, percussion and glockenspiel.
d)To enable the cadet to understand the importance of the care
and maintenance of band instruments, equipment and music.
e)To aquaint the cadet with the elements of band drill and the roll
of ceremonial as they apply to cadet bands.
2.Training Methods
Band training should be both practical and theoretical. Trainees
Should receive instruction in all areas of band work as well as instr-
uction of on their selected instrument(s). band work includes drill, care of the
uniforms and equipment, maintenance of the instrument and performance
routines.
Section 2 – Performance Objectives
To become a more proficient band master, the knowledge in
The following area is suggested:
1. Music Theory
a)A knowledge of musical language, nomenclature, notation,
rhythm, keys, scales and intervals.
b)An ability to recognize and play at sight elementary rhythmic
patterns consisting of whole, half, quarter, eighth and sixteenth
notes.
c)An ability to recognize and sign at sight (and in tune) simple
melodies.
2. Instrumentation
a)A knowledge of the structure and function of the following
instruments and their parts,
brass
woodwinds
percussion including glocks
b)An ability to disassemble and reassemble the above musical
instruments.
c)An ability to arrange simple tunes with percussion accom-
piament for the above instruments.
3. Band Drill
a)A knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of band
drill as detailed in CF Band Instructions and Band Officer’s
Resource.
b)An ability to carry out band drill movements acting as Drum
Major, drummer or band member. (it is not necessary that a
Band master be able to play all instruments)
4. Rehearsal Techniques
a)A knowledge of the importance of preparation and the
methods of preparation and rehearsal.
b)An ability to prepare a pre – selected elementary band piece
for rehearsal with a band who has never seen the piece before.
5. Care and Maintenance
a)A knowledge of proper care and maintenance of the instruments.
b)An ability to clean thoroughly the instruments listed above.
c)An ability to inspect the instruments for defects that would
hamper their playing ability.
d)An ability to carry out the following minor repairs:
Replace water key corks
Replace calve felts and corks
Replace drum heads
Replace snares
Tie a cymbal strap square knot
Other minor repairs as required
6. Conducting
a)An ability to conduct elementary beat patterns 2/4, ¾, 4/4 and
6/8 time
b)An ability to use elementary conducting techniques:
Starting a band
Giving cues and entries
Using the left hand
Cutoffs
7. Performance
a)An ability to play one or more of the following instruments:
Brass
Woodwind
Percussion including glocks.
b)An ability to play a selective and prepared street beat on the
snare drum by memory and with no errors at 120 beats per
minute.
c)An ability to play selected and prepared pieces at 120 beats
per minute on the above instruments.
8.Public Performance
a)A knowledge of the following areas as they apply to public
performance by cadet bands:
Dress
Deportment
Program content
Presentation
Public relations
9.Band Training
a)A knowledge in the following areas:
Organization of the training of cadet bands
Evaluation of training
10.Leadership
a)A knowledge of the qualities, duties and responsibilities of a
band master and a Navy League Oficer.
11.Administration
a)A knowledge of the following areas:
Training schedules
Organization of band stores
Procurement of instruments, music etc.
Parade requirements
Transportation of band members and their instruments
Discipline
Promotions
Incentives
Competition
Chapter 3
Drill
Section 1 Introduction
General
1. The content if this chapter is limited to drill movements and procedures
unique to bands. Deviations from these standards may be necessary.
a)To meet requirements for special occasions/duties.
b)Because of physical and or acoustic limitations of the drill deck
c)Because of inclement weather
2. Special drill movements and sequences may be performed during
During displays such as military tattoos and pageants, often to memorized
routines and without the sequence of commands. Display routines are most
effective and are in the best interests of the Navy League if there is little
deviation from the standard drill movements.
Key Parade Appointments
1. Conductor.The conductor is an officer or NCO responsible
for directing the musical performance of a band, e.g. Director of Music,
Band Master, Trumpet, Bugle or Drum Major
2. Drum Major.The Drum Major is the NCO responsible for
Directing the musical action and drill movements of the band during parades
3. Bass Drummer.The Bass Drummer is the band member
responsible for establishing and maintaining cadence. The Bass
Drummer will also use drum signals as cautionary and executive
commands when the volume of the band precludes voice commands.
Section 2 Instrument Drill
General
1. Band personnel must receive instructions in the care, maintenance
And handling of delicate musical instruments before instruction in
instrument drill is given.
2. The following are basic positions for stand easy, carrying, playing
And grounding of the instruments. These positions may have to be varied
To allow differences in size and playing techniques.
Changing Positions
3. Movement between the stand easy, carrying and playing position
Shall be by the most direct route possible with the instrument. On
Completion of the movement, minor adjustments may be necessary as
required by instrumental differences. The carrying position will be the
normal position of attention when marking time while not playing.
Grounding and Taking up Instruments
4. On the command “GROUND INSTRUMENTS” band members
shall:
a)Take a half paceforward with the left foot and by bending
the knees , adopt a squatting position.
b)Place the instrument on the ground as shown in the appropriate
diagram.
c)Assume the position of attention by standing erect, bending
with the left knee and bringing the left foot smartly back to the
right.
5. On the command “TAKE UP INSTRUMENTS” band members
Shall:
a)Take a half pace forward with the left foot and by bending
the knees, adopt a squatting position with the most weight
on the right foot.
b)Look down and pick up the instrument so as to readily take
up the carrying position.
c)Assume the position of attention by standing erect, bending
with the left knee and bringing the left foot smartly back to the
right.
Basic Baton Position
6. When the conductor is on parade and not conducting, he/she shall
Carry the baton under the left arm or in a pouch.