Topic Four (1.4): The History and Purpose of March and Military Music

Topics Icon.png Objectives for this topic

March and Military music was created for a specific purpose but has now gained recognition as a form of music in its own right.  Using the resources provided, you will explore a wide range of examples of this type of music and research its history.

Quiz Icon.png Instructions

DOWNLOAD – Marches Download DOWNLOAD – Marches

Consider the purpose of March music from the video given in slide 2 of the PowerPoint. You can check your ideas against the audio answer provided on that slide. Then listen to the four examples of this music on slide 3, noting differences in style and tempo.

Watch the clip from the BBC Proms on slide 4, which celebrates the patriotism connected with March music.

Review Icon.png Review

  • Are you confident in the original purpose of March music and how it is used today?
  • Have you added detail to your research sheet about its history?
  • Have you been able to relate March music to your own country?

Bridge Icon.png  Support activity for this topic

DOWNLOAD – Marches Download DOWNLOAD – Marches

Add research notes to the research resource you have been completing throughout this module. Use the Royal British Army website page, dedicated to British Army Music to answer the third question on slide 5 of the PowerPoint, ‘What is the purpose of military music now?’.

EXPLORE – British Army Music – (army.mod.uk) Links to an external site.

Stretch Icon.png Extension activity for this topic

Further explore March and Military music in your own country. Can you find examples of traditional march and military music used during national holidays and parades from where you live? Use slide 6 to support this task.