The Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy
Major Peter Kleine Schaars, Director of the Band.
Founded back in 1945 and now based in Rotterdam, the Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy is the music hallmark of the Dutch Armed Forces.
The band features 53 professional musicians who are responsible for supporting all marine and state events featuring participation of the Royal family, state and military officials.
The Dutch Marine Band is modeled after typical symphonic orchestra with both wind and percussion sections. The Pipes and Drums Corps also makes part of the group. The band’s versatile repertoire includes military and classical compositions, chamber and popular music pieces, as well as Dixieland jazz.
The Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy together with the Pipes and Drums Corps frequently perform at various military events and international military tattoos.
The Band actively supports development and promotion of Dutch military music across the Netherlands and the world. Thus, through TV and radio as well as music records musicians have managed to reach their audiences not only in Europe but in the USA, Russia, Japan and even UAE.
The band’s touring life is highly intense and is scheduled well in advance. Sticking to the Netherlands Marine Corps motto: Qua Patet Orbis (As Far as the World Extends), musicians travel all around the world bringing along their breathtaking view of the art of music.
