Naden Band in Chile

The Naden Band marches to Heart of Oak while practicing at the Chilean Naval Academy.

Lt(N) Melissa Kia, MARPAC PAO ~

The Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific is currently representing the Royal Canadian Navy in the 200th Anniversary of the Chilean Navy celebrations.

The group of musicians, totalling 35 members, is presently in Renaca, where they are brushing up on their latest tunes to add to their musical program for this milestone celebration.

Music is but one of the events for this group, as they have also been liaising with the Chilean Armada. 

The band’s official events started Nov. 24, when they were welcomed on board the Chilean frigate Almirante Blanco Encalada. They also toured the historical Naval Museum of Chile located in the hills of Valparaiso that overlooks the Fleet and Chilean Naval Base.

Their second visit was to the Torquemada Air Base in Concon, where the musicians were shown some Chilean airpower. They were also treated to a view of Canadian technology at work during a demonstration of submerged helicopter escape training for Chilean pilots.

Later in the week, the Naden Band was warmly welcomed by the Chilean Marines at the Aguayo Marine Base where the Chileans put on an impressive showcase of their weaponry and technical expertise. Tanks, field artillery and mountain and dive experts from the 51 Chilean Marine Brigade were on hand for the Canadian visit.

The Naden Band will perform live with the Chilean Navy and the Royal Marine Band of the Royal Navy in four major events during the first week of December. 

Until then, they will be working on their best material and sharpest drill to be in fine form for the big events that are expected to draw thousands, and even the president of Chile and the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.