So I have listened to many recordings of songs from the USAF Heartland of America Band, and from what I can find on their website their goal is to provide outstanding performances from musicians dedicated to music and the US military initiatives. But Then I look into the USAF band, and see the same thing. My private teacher in HS was a US Marine Band member, and as far as I understood they had similar purpose.
I'm asking this here because I feel this sub is relevant, as some people here may know why different military bands split and exist. Even some background on why different ensembles exist, why some split, why they are so distinct from one another, would be very interesting and helpful!
Tl;dr why the hell are there so many distinct military bands in the US, even within the US Armed Forces?
The US Military bands exist for a few primary reasons. Being to provide the appropriate pomp and ceremonies and render honors for different events.
Is that they are a GREAT PR tool. Many of them tour, and give free open performances and do so with a very high quality. Who doesnt enjoy quality live music, its not just marches after all, many have wide repertoires.
As to why so many its a couple of reasons. First is effectiveness. If you have graduation of command ceremonies at 6 different bases in 3 different timezones on the same day you will need plenty of bands, and then if each branch has a few. Some of the hardest working bands are those assigned to recruiting and training commands.
Is prestige, each service isnt going to let them be portrayed as behind or lacking, so they all maintain bands. Interesting enough it is the Navy who trains them all, at the Navy School of Music in Virginia Beach. So on top of the bands around the country at commands, each service will have their premier bands in the DC area, The President's Own, The Commandant's Own, The Army Band, etc. and all perform at various state functions as needed and then tour around the world.
Is tradition, there was a time when every battalion and ship would have a few musicians on roster, obviously that has faded away. But most major commands, such as the 5th Fleet, or 1st Infantry Division, or Marine Recruiting Command, will have field bands whose history goes back in some cases over 100 years.
Besides PR, they are a nice in house MWR tool. They can perform for the troops and families in their area, put on a good time. And with plenty of variety. The Navy for instance has everything on roster from an aCapella group, to jazz big bands, to a rock band.
But if every branch only had 1 or 2 bands then all of a sudden those missions become incredibly taxing and possibly of lesser quality, so you have bands attentive to the needs of each branch spread where they are needed.
Hope that helps, let me know if you have any specific questions!