The
honors music for a person, office or rank is music played on formal or ceremonial occasions in the presence of the person, office-holder, or rank-holder, especially by a
military band. The
head of state in many countries is honored with a prescribed piece of music; in some countries the
national anthem serves this purpose, while others have a separate
royal,
presidential, or, historically,
imperial anthem. Other officials may also have anthems, such as the
vice-regal salute in several
Commonwealth realms for the
governor-general, governor, or lieutenant governor.
Ruffles and flourishes may be played instead of, or preceding, honors music.