The most important marching tradition (historicaly) is that of the middle eastern-Turkish tradition, because they are the ones that got the ball running in the first place.The more western style march began in Europe as a hybrid blend of Turkish military and European classical.As it spread throughout Europe and America, the march took on regional variations or flavours (eg. flamenco in Spain, Operetic melody in Italy, etc).

Here's an example of Turkish style brass band marching:

Turkish Brass Band Marching

Another link that gives some info on European and American marching styles:

Wikipedia Article On Marching Styles

Unfortunately the article I wanted to give on Turkish marching (which would help to verify the Turkish connection) is no longer on the internet.I have it printed out at home but I certainly don't have the time to write it all out.Maybe I can find a similar article later.


PS. My own direct experience of marching bands is limited to parades, but I often borrow from the march beat when I'm beating out my own rhythmns.Not that I'm a real musician or anything, but sometimes I like to entertain myself at work.One of my common beats is a mix of Bo Diddly syncopation with a march, which comes out sounding like hip hop.