About
Surbiton Royal British Legion Youth Marching Band is a non profit making organisation set up in 1965 for young people between the ages of 8-25. All tuition, instruments and uniform are provided by the band which runs along the same lines as H.M. forces.
All young people are welcome, regardless of musical experience, and the band only charge a nominal fee, thus enabling many young people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument to do so.
Our Charity Number: 171167
"Band is amazing! It's a great place to meet new people
and learn to read and play music"
Band History
The original band was set up as a "Boys Band" and had a total of 12 members. Following a grant from the Royal Borough of Kingston Youth Service and a loan from Surbiton British Legion, instruments were bought and the boys were dressed in converted Church Boys Brigade uniforms and Royal Marine caps. The band carried out its first public engagement at the Remembrance Day parade in 1965. In the intervening years the band have seen many changes including the introduction of girls in 2000, wearing the same uniform as the boys, this break with tradition was seen as the way forward by band members and supporters alike.
Our Aim
The band promotes musical knowledge, self discipline and self confidence and in the past has had many members go into careers within H.M. forces as well as becoming professional musicians in other bands and orchestras.