The Band of the Royal Marines And The Pipes, Drums, and Highland Dancers of the Scots Guards perform at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9, State Theatre Center For The Arts, Easton.

Opening the show is the Liberty High School Grenadier Band.

In their distinguishing white helmets, Royal Marines Band members are celebrated for the quality of their music, visual grandeur and precision drill. On the concert platform they enjoy a similar reputation, ensuring their continuing popularity with their audiences.

The Royal Marines Band’s repertoire includes popular classics, Big Band, contemporary works and entertaining solos. The Corps of Drums bring movement, color and the tradition of the ceremonial occasions integral to the Royal Marines.

Most members of the Band play at least two instruments and are required to perform in wind band, marching band, big band, orchestral and dance band combinations. They also provide jazz, string and woodwind ensembles, making the Royal Marines musician one of the most versatile and adept in military music.

The development of music in the Royal Marines is inextricably linked to the evolution of British military bands. Lively airs and the beat of the drum enabled columns of marching men to keep a regular step. Without doubt, groups of musicians existed in the Service, but in 1767 Royal Marines Divisional Bands were formed at Chatham, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Deal.

Today, Royal Marines Bands are required to provide every imaginable musical ensemble including orchestras and dance bands. To achieve this, most musicians, except solo specialists, are required to attain an acceptable standard on both a string and a wind instrument. As a result of this special amalgam of expertise, Royal Marines musicians are regarded as among the most versatile in the military music world.

The Corps of Drums receive an equally thorough training and pride themselves on maintaining the highest standards of drill, bugling and drumming. Their glittering presence at the front of all Royal Marines Bands on the march gives the bands a visual impact that is second to none.

The origins of the Band of Scots Guards go back to at least to 1716 when they were employed as musicians, as distinct from the regimental drummers who had a military role. The Band of the Scots Guards represents the United Kingdom throughout the world as one of the great iconic images of the British nation.

Tickets: State Theatre Box Office, 453 Northampton St., Easton; statetheatre.org, 1-800-999-STATE, 610-252-3132