https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Australian_Air_Force_Band
The Royal Australian Air Force Band (abbreviated as Air Force Band within Australia) is the Royal Australian Air Force‘s official music branch. The current commanding officer is Squadron Leader Phillip Martin.[1] The Director of Music is Flying Officer Michael Potts.[2] The Air Force Band’s mission is to promote and enhance the image, reputation and culture of the Air Force. The band represents Air Force at significant events in Australia and abroad. [1]
History
Early years
On 16 March 1916, the Number One Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) sailed from Port Melbourne on board the SS Orsova (1908), arriving in Egypt in April of that year. The contingent included musically talented airmen who provided musical support during World War I. Similar entertainment troupes were formed at various AFC bases during the war, particularly The Flying Kangaroos and The Gee Whizzers from the AFC training bases at Leighterton and Minchinhampton. Soon after the creation of an independent Royal Australian Air Force, a part-time RAAF Band was formed by volunteer airmen in January 1923 at the Air Force’s birthplace in Point Cook. On 20 August of that year, Hugh Niven was appointed the first Bandmaster,[3] and this date is recognized as the beginning of music services in the Air Force. Significant amongst its early activities was its role as official band for all ceremonies and grand public military review for the opening of Parliament House in Canberra in 1927.[4] The band moved to Laverton during World War II.
Mid-20th century
In 1932, a part-time brass band was established at RAAF Richmond.[5] The RAAF Central Band was formed in 1952 at Laverton and the Air Command Band (originally known as the RAAF No. 1 Regional Band) was formed at RAAF Richmond in 1969, with both bands enjoying reputations for musical excellence. The former was founded under the direction of British-born bandmaster Laurence Henry Hicks, who simultaneously the inaugural Director of Music for the RAAF.[6][7] In 1963, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire, “in recognition of his loyal and valuable service”,[8] with the citation “For service as Director of Music with the RAAF”.[9][10] The latter was formed by Flying Officer Michael Butcher (later Squadron Leader Michael Butcher, OAM, LRAM, ARCM, LGSM).
Modern band
The two bands were amalgamated into one band in 2008, bringing together their traditions to provide a strong foundation for today’s RAAF Band.[11] The merger was criticized by supporters and veterans of the Richmond Band, with Roger Williams, a former trombonist in the band, petitioning for the Parliament of Australia to intervene.[12]
Event highlights
The Melbourne-based RAAF Central Band’s debut activity was during the Presentation of the Queen’s Colour by Queen Elizabeth II in 1952. It also provides musical support during the Royal visit to Australia in February 1954 as well as the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. On 31 January 1968, Hicks was the Squadron Leader of the Central Band during a ceremony in honor of Nauru‘s independence.[13] Hicks performed the music for the national anthem of Nauru which he composed himself, “Nauru Bwiema“, with lyrics by Nauran writer, Margaret Hendrie. 1969 marked a tour of Southeast Asia to boost the morale of Australian troops deployed to Vietnam and Malaysia.