Orange music

Traditional music of the Unionist population in the north of Ireland. Orange music is often ignored in discussions of traditional Irish music, the vast majority of which is normally associated with the Catholic, nationalist communities. The Orange Order, a social and political organization within the unionist communities of Ireland, has played a role in parts of Northern Ireland in the preservation of certain country dances and song. The marching band tradition of the Orange Order, and particularly the flute bands (although brass and reed and accordion bands also exist), have maintained a repertoire of Orange marching tunes and songs with roots in British military music, traditional dance music, and church music.

The instrument most commonly associated with these bands is the Lambeg drum, originating from the military long drum of the 18th century. It is regarded very much as a symbol, both visual and audible, of Unionism, although this was not always the case.