To really sort out the confusion. Concert Band and Symphonic
Band are the same thing as what Bern had said earlier. Symphonic is
just another way of putting it nicer.
The main difference between a Symphonic Band and a Military Band
is that Symphonic Bands is more inclined to playing while Military
Band is more inclined towards displaying their foot drills and
playing with more emphasis on foot drills. That's why Military
Bands are also called Display Bands.
Both types of bands require foot drills. Why does Symphonic Band
needs to learn foot drills? It is a requirement for the SYF
Competition. You will need to march and play and understand basic
commands so that you are qualified to join the SYF. However, the
grade you get from SYF will not be dependent on the marching
whatsoever. Note that this only applies to Symphonic Bands.
For military bands, you will need to march and play for the SYF.
This time the SYF grade you going to get is dependent on how well
you can march and play obviously.
On your question about taking up bass drum as an instrument.
Please note that the bass drum is classified under the percussion
section. You will need to join the percussion to play the bass
drum. You will also have to play other instruments of the
percussion like the timpani, xylophones, snare drum and some
other instruments you will probably find out after joining
percussion section. Yes, all bands be it military and symphonic
have the percussion section and therefore have a bass drum.
About location of schools nearing where you live, you can check
out in the Secondary School Posting Exercise Book or whatever you
call it. If you intend to join a symphonic band and check their
previous SYF results so that it will suit you, you might wanna
check out this website at: www.sgbandfusion.com
Note that it is only for symphonic band.
Hope this will answer your queries.