The "Fanfare Band" or "Fanfare Orchestra" is typical for the Low Countries (Belgium and the Netherlands). The history of most bands dates back to the middle of the 19th century. In those days, bands were formed in almost every Belgian or Dutch village.
In the beginning, the instrumentation of these bands was not fixed and several types of woodwind and brass instruments were used. Gradually, two types of bands emerged in the Low Countries: "fanfare bands" and "harmony bands".
While a "harmony band" is similar to the "wind bands" that can be found all over the world (woodwind instruments, brass and percussion), fanfare bands are unique to the Low Countries. They are also different from English-style brass band (brass instruments and percussion).