Once the Sydney 2000 Olympic Band made their introduction, they took their place in front of the ceremony stage, and volunteers came out to begin the Parade of Nations. Twenty eight of the larger nations entered under a music piece of their country played by the Marching Band (e.g. "Land of Hope and Glory" was played for Great Britain, "Sakura Sakura" was played for Japan, "Siyahamba" was played for South Africa and "The Stars and Stripes Forever" was played for the United States), while smaller countries entered in with various Olympic Anthems, Percussion Cadences, and "The Warriors" as a nod to Australian wind band composer Percy Grainger. As is Olympic tradition, Greece entered first in honour of its position as birthplace of the Olympics, and host nation Australia entered last.