The Armed Forces of Malta Band
Clean-up Needed
The text currently on this page needs further work. It was most likely imported or reproduced from a website associated with the subject of the page - possibly through a process involving far-from-perfect machine translation, often with awkward results. It is awaiting the attention of an experienced M3P editor, which could be you. It may be slightly out of date, or may need other elements taken care of appropriately, including proofreading or copy-editing for grammar and style.
This page is a stub
Stub pages are like acorns. The first seed has been planted, but you can help them grow! There may, for example, also be other M3P resources linking to it. You can help by expanding this page.
The Armed Forces of Malta Band, which was formerly known as the Royal Malta Artillery Band, was established over a century ago. The Band had various commitments with British Regiments during their tours of duty in Malta. During the years 1939-1942, owing to war circumstances, the Band was put into suspended animation and its members served in support of the parent Regiment, the Royal Malta Artillery. The Band was reformed in 1943.
The Band had various opportunities to participate in massed-band displays with British Military Bands stationed or visiting the Islands. Parades, displays and tattoos were the order of the day. In 1966, the Band was invited to participate in a Military Band Festival organised by the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) at Monchengladbach, Germany, where bands from different nations took part. On other occasions, the Band was invited to participate in band programmes in Cyprus and Sicily.
When the Royal Malta Artillery, along with the Royal Malta Artillery band, ceased to form part of the British Army in September, 1970, the Maltese Government assumed responsibility for both entities.
The Band has a complement of forty-four musicians under the baton of the Director of Music, Captain Mro. George Debono, L. (Mus) L.C.M. As a Military Band, its primary role is to fulfil a range of commitments in support of the Armed Forces of Malta on numerous occasions.
Its wide repertoire ranges from military marches to classic and popular music. For the benefit of the local population and tourists visiting our Islands, the Band holds frequent displays and programmes in Valletta. Concerts are also held in hospitals and similar institutions as an education in music appreciation and to bring enjoyment to those who are otherwise unable to attend. The services of the Band are constantly sought by charitable and philanthropic institutions. The Band prides itself on past memorable performances rendered throughout the island and continues to strive to achieve the highest possible standard.
The Armed Forces of Malta Band forms part of the 4th Regiment which is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Smith. Its President is Lieutenant Colonel Mario Schembri and the Band Secretary is Major Martin Sammut.