Lithuanian Armed Forces Headquarters Band

The Lithuanian Armed Forces Headquarters Band (Lietuvos kariuomenės orkestras), also known as the LKO HQ Band is a Lithuanian musical unit stationed in Vilnius, being attached to the Grand Duke Gediminas Staff Battalion and one of 5 that are based in the country. It is the largest professional military band in Lithuania as well as in the military bands in the other Baltic States, being larger than the Kaitseväe Orkester and the Central Military Band of the Latvian National Armed Forces. The orchestra is currently led by Egidijus Ališauskas, with assistance from the deputy commander, Lieutenant Dainius Pavilionis.

History
On September 4, 1991, the Lithuanian Armed Forces Band was founded following the restoration of Lithuania's independence. The orchestra was then managed by Major General Justinas Jonušas (1938–2013) and was made up of 57 civilian and military musicians.

The main purpose of the band is to participate in the official meetings of high ranking foreign guests and in ceremonial events of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. In addition, the orchestra also conducts regular concerts on public holidays, and competes in musical festivals. As of date, the or orchestra has released seven CD. The orchestra also prepares parades performed during various holidays.

Performances and Collaborations
Since its creation, the orchestra has worked with the military bands of many other countries that are members of the European Union and NATO. The orchestra has successfully participated in military music festivals and has performed in Germany, Belgium, Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Estonia, Sweden, Guinea, Czech Republic. In 1996, it won 1st place in the Grand Prix at the International Orchestras in Poland, and in 1999, participated in the NATO Military Orchestra Festival in Kaiserslautern Germany.