The Royal Artillery Band is a British military band and orchestra originating in 1557, but granted official status in 1762. Consisting of woodwind, brass, strings, and percussion instruments, it represents both the Royal Regiment of Artillery, and the State. It is one of eight State bands, based in London, and out of these is the oldest. It has the distinction of being the oldest military band in the United Kingdom in continuous service. The Royal Artillery Orchestra (of the Royal Artillery Band) had the distinction of being Britain's first professional orchestra.