Bahrain’s Police Band created history last month when it performed in the US Independence Day celebrations in Washington.
The band’s director Major General Dr Mubarak Najem led the 38-strong group to take part in the parade held on July 4.
“This was no doubt a historic occasion since we became the first-ever Arab band and the first-ever from outside the United States to take part,” Maj Gen Najem told the Interior Ministry’s Al Amn magazine.
He said the band received a warm welcome from thousands of people attending the event at Lincoln Memorial Park.
Maj Gen Najem said the Bahrain Police Band has performed at international events and carries the responsibility as a flag-bearer of the kingdom abroad.
The band started in 1929 and over the years new members were added who introduced different melodies of Arabic music.
Former Indian Army Sergeant Amar Singh was the first commander of the band and took charge in 1932, added Maj Gen Najem.
He said the band now has more than 200 members from various nationalities, who he said blend the music and culture of the British military tradition with their proud Arab heritage.
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