What are Ruffles and Flourishes?

Ruffles and flourishes are musical embellishments that are played before the entry music as a mark of respect for certain high-ranking officials. Each country has its own set of ruffles and flourishes, as well as a table of honors that tells bands how many ruffles and flourishes are appropriate for each official. The maximum number of ruffles and flourishes is four, with heads of state and top military officials receiving this honor.

Ruffles and flourishes have their origins in a much older heraldic tradition. King, queens, and other high-ranking officials have traditionally been announced with a trumpet fanfare, with the musical announcement being more complex for people of high rank. The practice of using music to announce entrances dates back long before the Middle Ages, as do the elaborate tables of honor used to determine which music is played for whom. Because militaries are known for their love of ceremony and protocol, it should come as no surprise that this tradition has been preserved the world’s militaries.

Military bands that serve as escorts for high-ranking officials and visiting heads of state typically play ruffles and flourishes. The band performs a predetermined number of ruffles and flourishes before moving on to the song, which is usually a march, that is associated with the person being introduced. For example, the President of the United States is addressed with four ruffles and flourishes, followed “Hail to the Chief.” The table of honors includes a wide range of marches and anthems to help military bands prepare for any situation, from announcing the arrival of a four-star general to playing the retreat for a disgraced head of state.

Drum rolls provide the ruffles, while bugles provide the flourishes. When playing ruffles and flourishes, band members usually stand at attention, and the audience is expected to remove their headgear and stand until the music is finished. Salutes from military personnel present could be among the other honors bestowed.

If a military band is not available, a civilian marching band or a recording may be used to play the ruffles and flourishes. When visiting officials from other countries are involved, a protocol officer usually decides on the order in which they will be introduced and the honors they will receive, often after consulting with a protocol officer who works for the visiting official to ensure that no feathers are ruffled.