Brazilian Marine Pipes, Drum and Bugle Corps

Formed in 1822 on the basis of the field music formations of the present day Portuguese Marine Corps stationed in Brazil (when it was part of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves and then as part of the Royal Brigade of the Navy (Brigada Real da Marinha) stationed in the colony), it is also the oldest in South America.

It has been based in the Fortaleza de São José Marine Barracks, Ilha das Cobras, Rio de Janeiro, and honors the field drummers and buglers who fought in every major Marine Corps combat operation since 1808.

Another relic of the past lies in its Turkish crescent, a symbol and instrument of European origin used in the old bands of the Army and Navy in the 19th century.

Led today by the Corps Bandmaster Cmdr Ennes Fernando da Silva and the Deputy Bandmaster WO Cesário José Barbosa Neto, the now 150-strong field music formation draws on its more than 200 years of service and continues to be a part of Brazil's military heritage.

It shares the duties of being the flagship premier ensemble of the Navy with the Central Band of the Marine Corps.