INTRODUCTION:

Lesotho Defence Force Military Band is a group of personnel that performs musical duties in the military. During peace they are employed and serve as vital elements to play martial music including national anthems in various occasions such as; military parades, credentials, state and official functions, and miscellaneous events.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Our mission is to provide music for ceremonial functions, morale support of military personnel, lend dignity and formality to military ceremonies as well as to obligate and foster a spirit of Military pride.

VISION:

To develop performance and compositional skills that prepares members for professional careers, objective to music and internationally recognized outstanding musicians to perform a stylish music worldwide.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:

The Lesotho Defence Force Military Band was established in the 1960's when the Para Military Unit was formed. The then PMU was composed of three platoons of which Band was the 3rd. The first army Commander, the late Ret. Maj Gen Justin Metsing Lekhanya formed part of the platoon as its commander. It was comprised of cadets from Mazenod Roman Catholic Church mission (Our Lady of the World in Maseru), as a combination of drummers and buglers. In the 1970's, some LDF Military members went to Uganda for music training course, they were all eleven.

After their training they established a full Military Band. In 1975 the platoon member became a qualified Musical Instructor. Due to security challenges in the 1970's, the band had to perform military duties other than music such as standby and guard duties. Regardless of the above challenges the band platoon displayed diligence when performing their duties. The platoon played a vital role in the assistance to the formation of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service Band unit in 1980's. In order to develop the platoon, in 1985 a music director from Nigeria was invited to improve the capabilities of both the LDF and LMPS band units. The director mentored these units and imparted theory and practical skills from grade 1 to grade 3.

In 1995, LDF Band was given an opportunity to further their musical education in Bloemfontein School of Music for a period of seven years where they obtained theory of music, practicals and advance courses thoroughly. The School of Music helped LDF Band successfully to be recognized amongst the Military Bands in Africa. Some LDF Band members were able to obtain certificates in theory and practicals of music. In 2003 the Military Pipe Band was established with the auspices of the Indian Army Training Team IATT to Lesotho Defence Force with a group of 26 men. After the completion of their basic music course they performed for national ceremonies as well as in military functions.

To enhance their capability, they are sent to further their musical education in India Army Education Corps (IAEC) Training College and center Pachmarhi (MP) India since 2004 up to date. Currently, the LDF has Jazz sections formed for the purpose of entertaining Commanders Guests, and to perform at any other entertainment functions they may be ordered to perform. The LDF band has also assisted in the enhancing of the Lesotho Correctional Service Band Instructors in 2007.