Prior to 1885 the artillery had to depend upon hiring the services of civilian bands. Captain S. D. Crawford started, and was president of the Band Committee for many years. He scheduled the engagements for the Band.

The Band was originally made up of members of the City Brass Band, and on October 1, 1885 these members put on the corp's uniform and accompanied the N.B. Brigade of Garrison Artillery to service. It was the duty of the Band to share in every event in which the corps had taken part in. They provided the music for ballroom dances, and have played at military funerals. Two of the early bandmasters were Michael Magdian and Thomas W. Horsman. In September, 1895 the Band marched to Major Markham's home on Germain Street upon his return from his command of the Canadian Bisley team in Britain.

The regimental brass band of the 23rd Regiment, under Band Master, H. H. Williams, led such church parades as the one in March 1951, which travelled via Union and Charlotte streets, past the saluting base at the head of King Street where the Lieutenant-Governor D. L. MacLaren took the salute.

The recently re-formed band of the 3rd (N.B.) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery (R.C.A.) made its first public appearance in May 1949 leading the Garrison church parade which began Saint John Army Week. The Band was under the direction of Officer Cadet Bruce E. Holder Sr.