The massed army bands at the Flag Parade in June 2018.
The Jordanian Armed Forces Band (Arabic: فرقة القوات المسلحة الاردنية) is the main musical unit of the Royal Jordanian Army made up of musicians who perform in official settings usually in the presence of the Jordanian royal family. When performing, all band members wear red and white checked Keffiyehs alongside their full dress uniform.[1] The band was established in 1921, with a core of 10 musicians who served with the Arab Army. In 1929, bagpipes from the area that is now Egypt and Syria were first introduced to the band.[2] In 1982, Hussein of Jordan approved the use of the band for purely ceremonial purposes. Today, the full band is composed of over 500 musicians who are arranged in a similar fashion to the Bands of the Household Division.[3][4][5][6]
The National Music Conservatory of the King Hussein Foundation often trains personnel of the band in a musical course aimed at preparing them for their inclusion in the band.[7][8]
Tasks
The drum major of the band, 1953.
Events that the band participates in includes following:
Flag Parade – The massed bands provides musical support at the Flag Parade, also more commonly referred to as the Trooping of the Colour, held annually on Al Rayah Square (Square of the Emblem) near the royal court.
Independence Day – Performs ceremonial songs on the occasion, which is a public holiday in Jordan. The Great Arab Revolution March is a common piece that is played during the holiday.[9]
Other events – Musicians of the band constantly invited to ceremonies of important official guests and public figures. The band often accompanies the King during his international trips.