2012 - Australian Army

Transcription

Journal
2012
AUSTRALIAN ARMY BAND CORPS
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Contents
Director of Music-Army (DMUS-A)......................................4
Journal 2012
Honorary Colonel, Australian Army Band Corps.................6
Band of the Royal Military College,
Duntroon (RMC Band).........................................................8
Australian Army Band Brisbane (AAB-B)...........................10
Australian Army Band Sydney (AAB-S).............................12
Australian Army Band Kapooka (AAB-K)..........................14
Australian Army Band Melbourne (AAB-M).......................16
1st Battalion, Royal Australian
Regiment (1 RAR Band)....................................................18
Regimental Sergeant Major Australian Army Band Corps.............................................20
The 2012 Royal Edinburgh Military
Tattoo (REMT) Edinburgh, Scotland..................................21
ANZAC Day 2012 Gallipoli, Turkey....................................24
Army Aboriginal Community
Assistance Program (AACAP)...........................................26
Exercise Longlook 2012 - United Kingdom......................28
70th Anniversary - Battle of El Alamein, North Africa........30
ANZAC Day 2012 - Isurava,
Papua New Guinea............................................................32
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Operation Anode Solomon Islands....................................................34
Australian Army Band Perth (AAB-P).................................................50
Pacific Armies Management Seminar (PAMS)...................................36
Australian Army Pipes and Drums Perth (AAP&D-P)..........................53
Visit by the President of the
Unites States of America to Darwin...................................................38
Defence Force School of Music (DFSM)............................................55
ANZAC Day 2012 - Ypres, Belgium....................................................40
Australian Army Band Adelaide (AAB-A)............................................41
Australian Army Band Darwin (AAB-D)...............................................44
Australian Army Band Newcastle (AAB-N).........................................46
Australian Army Band Tasmania (AAB-T)...........................................48
Australian Army Band Corps Association..........................................58
Retirements, transfers and discharges...............................................61
Honours and Awards..........................................................................63
Promotions.........................................................................................68
Acknowledgments..............................................................................69
Common abbreviations in this journal................................................69
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Director of
Music-Army (DMUS-A)
Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Lambie CSM
As 2012 draws to its inexorable demise, it behoves me to put pen to paper and recount the year in review. The RSM
and I have managed to visit every DMUS-A Band at least once this year, some twice. My first impression is that we
are all pretty healthy and positive, despite the current era in which we live. That talent and youth abound there is no
doubt, and it is these qualities that will see us emerge a very different shape, but a shape nonetheless and one that
will continue into the next generation Army.
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Restructure
The driver for the year was the restructure of DMUS-A. Associated
with the restructure were the UER, ECREM, and FMR. A bunch of
acronyms maybe; but an incredible body of work required to ensure
the best possible outcome for all. A number of folk contributed
significantly to get us to where we are today but some are deserving
of more recognition in a public sense. MAJ Dave Bird, CAPT Mike
Fitzpatrick and WO1 Vaughan Grant have slaved tirelessly in the
analysis and execution space to ensure that the rest of us understand
where we’re at come year’s end. My personal thanks to these gents,
and indeed any and all who submitted their contributions to achieve
the outcome that is shortly to go to the Chief of Army (CA) for sign off.
REMT
To partake in the largest production in the world for people of our
ilk has been not only a highlight for me personally, but an honour
to represent Australia with a very talented and willing Tri-Service
organisation. The success of the Tattoo was due to the enormous
effort put in by all concerned, but in particular CAPT Steve Button,
WO1 Vaughan Grant, and SGT Greg Peterson. These members
had to live and breathe the event for months beforehand to ensure
we had just the right product to impress a traditional audience, and
impress we did. The progressive and slightly larrikin nature of the act
saw the crowd on their feet every night, something new for
the Tattoo, and something we can all be justifiably proud of.
Should you be interested, the DVD can be purchased at
http://www.edintattoo.co.uk/acatalog/2012_Tattoo_DVD.html
My thanks in particular to the OCs for releasing the members to take
part and still being able to carry out all domestic tasking with no
discernible drop in quality.
Gallipoli
MAJ Jeff Cocks commanded a highly successful pilgrimage to
the shores of Gallipoli this year. Anything to do with producing a
professional musical product, Jeff is always going to come up trumps.
I was so impressed when I heard the Band and the choir on the TV
broadcast - they sounded fantastic and all reports back from Jeff and
DVA are that the mission expectations were well and truly met.
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Journal 2012
Other Overseas engagements
Daily Management
Our buglers, vocalists, techies and pipers continue
to present first class performances at engagements
around the globe, three of whom this year were from our
very talented Army Reserve ranks. Sandakan, VillersBretonneux, Papua New Guinea, Egypt, Afghanistan,
the Sinai and Belgium feature heavily in this year’s globe
trotting diary.
Corporate governance and compliancy management
tools continue to develop to assist each and every one of
us manage the ever elusive dollar just that much better.
HQ DMUS-A will continue to evolve these tools and
the associated SOP to ensure our management teams
remain informed and involved in the process. Consistency
remains the key. While individual thought is very much
encouraged and has led to the heightened development of
many of our practices, the continued pursuit of individual
practices, when already discarded at HQ level only creates
poor analysis and many hours of remediation. I am very
pleased to advise that this message is well and truly being
heeded for the most part, and our hours are spent doing
productive admin rather than chasing our tails.
Pacific Armies Management Seminar /
CA Land Warfare Centre Dinner / Land
Warfare Centre Conference
In acknowledging all of our bands have completed in
excess of 2000 engagements this year, a few have
assisted the CA directly in his strategic shaping of the
region. RMC Band and AAB-M value added greatly
to events at which CA was able to host his regional
counterparts, both in social and conference settings.
CA and senior Army officers have expressed their
gratitude for the Bands’ contribution to these
respective tasks.
Repatriation
The one activity that Army HQ almost stops for and
reassesses their Main Effort is the repatriation of our
members Killed in Action. Unfortunately our bands have
been involved in too many of these, but on every occasion
AABC members have afforded the fallen members the
dignity and solemnity due them. This has not always been
easy to manage, and has often required many of our unit
commanders to reprioritise their personnel at short or no
notice. As long as we wear green, this and the associated
funerals will remain our priority task, one to be met at all
costs - my sincere thanks to all for their efforts here.
The ~ 500 members under DMUS-A are delivering
an evolving product in support of Army’s Military and
Community engagement program. We are meeting
all requested tasking, including that which sits in the
ceremonial space. Each of our bands have paraded at
some stage this year with numbers that would previously
have been unacceptable, but similarly each of our bands
has had nothing but praise from the customer on those
same occasions. We are doing it right although much of
it feels pretty wrong. The success of this evolution won’t
be readily apparent for some years yet, but I am confident
that the success will be there.
Finally, HQ DMUS-A staff have worked tirelessly this year
breaking in new staff (civ and uniform), staying on top of
the daily management of the corps, and only just recently
moving premises (again). My heartfelt thanks to each of
them, and thank you all for your support throughout 2012.•
Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Lambie CSM
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Honorary Colonel
Australian Army
Band Corps
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Brigadier Mark Bornholt AM (retd)
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2012 has been a challenging year for the Corps as we have started to implement the restructure, come to terms with the
many changes of personnel and of course deliver entertainment to the Army and the public. There were many highlights
including performances at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Pacific Armies Management Seminar to name
just two. I was also very pleasantly surprised to hear the Kapooka Rock Band on the radio one Sunday morning live
from the Dampier Peninsula! It was part of their four-week tour of remote communities in conjunction with the Army
Aboriginal Community Assistance Program. What a fantastic example of what we can do and great public relations!
I have been impressed with the work that has been done to meet
the challenge of implementation of the restructure. Whilst I know that
there remains some uncertainty, I am satisfied that all possible steps
have been taken to mitigate individual concerns. There will of course
still be people who will be adversely affected. I hope that these people
will recognise that what we are doing is for the greater good. The new
structure with contemporary ensembles is the way of the future. We
must all embrace the change of customer focus. With the extraction
from operations in 2014, our target audience must be the Army and
the younger people in the community. We must be able to enhance
the image of the Australian Army through community and military
engagement showcasing our contemporary capabilities.
I am actually starting to see several opportunities as a result of the
restructure. The new unit establishments are much more robust and
will ensure that all bands operate to common standards and with
the same administrative procedures. This in turn will allow musicians
to focus on the creative part of their core skills. There will also be
further career opportunities with an additional position established for
a corporal in each regional reserve band. I also think that Army will
again examine the issue of a regular pipes and drums capability in
2013, this time without impacting the extant corps structure. The new
structure positions us for the future, the challenge now is cultural.
Unfortunately I have only had limited opportunities to visit this year
and have been to Townsville, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. I’ve
also seen a fair bit of the RMC Band. Work permitting I hope to be more
active in 2013 so that I can hear you play, listen to your concerns and
represent your interests to the Director and the hierarchy of Defence.
I know that the Deputy Director will prod me into action. I really look
forward to visiting and enjoying your company.
Finally I want to congratulate and thank you – the men and women
of the Corps for your dedication, professionalism and skill. It is an
absolute honour to be amongst you – I’m actually the envy of my retired
colleagues, all of whom recognise what an essential part of Army you are
and how important it is to nurture the capability. Can I also convey my
appreciation for the ongoing encouragement of your families and loved
ones – I recognise that your efforts would not be complete if it were not
for their support.
I wish those of you moving the best for the future and wish you and your
families a prosperous 2013. •
Brigadier Mark Bornholt AM (retd)
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Band of the Royal
Military College,
Duntroon (RMC Band)
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Officer Commanding/Music Director – Major Daniel Hiscock
Band Sergeant Major – Warrant Officer Class One Steve Mee
Journal 2012
2012 started much the same as usual for the RMC Band with the Australia Day National Flag Raising Parade next
to Lake Burley Griffin. The event was in a slightly different position this year (Rond Terrace, where ANZAC Parade
meets the lake) and two new faces out the front of the Band, the incoming OC and BSM, were introduced to
ceremonial life in the Nation’s Capital. Since then, with a couple of small changes to the routine and continuous
updates of the job board, the year is flying past.
All Bands have their niche and RMC Band’s is the ceremonial work at
our various ‘outdoor performance venues’. Often the first experience
for visiting Heads of State or Heads of Government to Australia is
a 21 gun salute followed by the playing of their anthem - a proud
moment for them and certainly a proud moment for us as our
performance of their anthem really can set the visit off on the right
foot. The importance of this is never lost on the team at RMC. All the
other ceremonial work is equally as satisfying due to the venues and
the VIPs, but apart from the musical challenging marches that are
continuously handed out, there is little difference from one week to the
next.
The ‘standouts’ on the Band’s job board are those occasions where
the Band has an opportunity to perform as a wind ensemble or, ever
increasingly, as a big band. The focus for those performances does
take your mind off the cold for a while and certainly reminds you
of the depth of talent in this Band and indeed, across the Corps.
All other gaps in the Band’s job board are filled with the various
small ensembles from largest to smallest; rock band, ‘Steam Boat
Stompers’, jazz ensemble, drum corps, brass quintet, woodwind
quintet, saxophone quartet, clarinet quartet, woodwind trio, and the
most requested ensemble…the bugler.
Not surprisingly the job board is full thanks to the above capability
and the constant requests for support. Somehow amongst all this
everyone seems to maintain their sense of humour, their fitness and
most unbelievably, work/life balance. The old adage ‘a busy band is a
happy band’ is proven week-in week-out at RMC and it is not just due
to the focus and purpose in what we do, but largely because of the
professionalism and teamwork of the soldier/musicians in this Band.
One of the highlights of the year was the sound of the Band
on parade, particularly at the RMC Parade Ground for the
mid-year Graduation to two of Gullidge’s best marches
‘Emblem of the Army’ and ‘Blue Blood’. The Band also
looked the part, dressed the same as the Corps of Staff
Cadets in White Jackets with Blues Caps. Another highlight
where the Band excelled was its support of the Pacific
Armies Management Seminar – to the point where the Band
received a personal handwritten note from the Chief of Army.
You can read more about the seminar and our support to
that event later in this journal.
The most recent highlight was the Band’s major concert for
the year at the Canberra Theatre on the 1st of September –
the ‘Big Band Sound’. They enjoyed excellent support from
around the Corps in a concert that featured musicians at
their best, complimented by the considerable technical skills
of CPL James Duquemin on lights and imagery.
At the end of the year the Band farewelled members who
have all made significant contributions, some over many
years. In 2013 we will welcome new members who are not
replacements, but members of a new team that will no doubt
perpetuate again that a busy band is a happy band. •
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Australian Army Band
Brisbane
Officer Commanding/Music Director – Major Jeff Cocks
Band Sergeant Major – Warrant Officer Class One Simon Renfrey OAM
(AAB-B)
At home in Gallipoli Barracks, AAB-B continues to provide a broad level of support and entertainment to local
military units and the civil community in the greater Brisbane region. Similar to its regional counterparts, AAB-B
strives to produce music that can reach out to a wide audience base. AAB-B aims to engage its audience whether
that audience is marching on a parade ground, at an outdoor festival, or seated in the air-conditioned comfort of a
concert hall enjoying the great versatility of the musicians on stage.
In supporting Army’s Ceremonial activities, AAB-B has had its fair
share of commitments this year. The band is frequently tasked with
supporting farewell and welcome home parades for ADF members
either deploying to or returning from operational service. The
numerous lodger units within Gallipoli Barracks also make good
use of having a full-time military band at their disposal and the band
External to the barracks the band still plays an important ceremonial
role through supporting Government House Queensland at various
ceremonial activities and the Queensland State Government at
public events of significance. Equally the band are always in high
demand by the numerous military associations around Queensland
and the of course the State RSL and Legacy who we support at their
philanthropic initiatives and commemorative activities.
For the members of the band however, arguably the most sought
after work is the non-ceremonial support AAB-B provides to the
Military within the region. Whilst they continue to provide bands to the
traditional regimental dinners, the unit rock band is a newly developed
capability that is rapidly growing in popularity and reputation. AAB-B is
starting to see a considerable increase in band support requests from
local Military units who have become aware of this live music resource
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Similar to its counterparts, AAB-B needs to maintain its musical
versatility in order to perform to an audience with diverse tastes in
music. Whilst the band has downsized this year from 35 to 26 fulltime
members it has managed to maintain its presence and reputation
within the civil and military community around the greater Brisbane
area.
is frequently called upon to support unit level ceremonial activities
including handover parades, awards presentation parades, graduation
parades and unit memorial services.
Journal 2012
AAB-B shares the same mission and roles as the other three regional
support bands but what makes it unique is the people that make
up the band, their instrumental abilities, the unique purpose-built
rehearsal facility and the appealing lifestyle and climate which is
shared by all who live and work in South East Queensland.
available to them. As this particular ensemble is only a ten-piece
band, it is not surprising that AAB-B members are keen to earn a
place in the band as either singer or instrumentalist.
2012 has been an interesting year of transition for the band. Many
members have enjoyed opportunity to travel overseas to either
Gallipoli in April or more recently to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo
in Scotland. Back at home however there has rarely been a dull
moment with some members learning new skills in the rock band or
on a second musical instrument in preparation for the next round of
future reshaping. AAB-B looks forward in anticipation to challenges
they are sure to be faced with next year. The team looks forward to
welcoming new members who will be posted in, and extend their
best wishes and thanks to friends whose turn it is to move on. •
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Sydney
Officer Commanding/Music Director – Major Pete O’Connor
Band Sergeant Major - Vacant
(AAB-S)
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We started the year in Sydney with several new faces added to the band, after losing quite
a few to other bands as the start of the Corps restructure took effect. All 21 musicians were
subsequently placed into various groups and ensembles to get 2012 off the mark.
The Darling Harbour lunchtime concerts were a great way to get the
guys into form musically with their new look ensembles. Both the Big
Band and Rock Band wooed the burgeoning crowd amongst the
beautiful vista that Sydney provides.
Journal 2012
Socially, the band kicked off the year with a ‘Burns Night’ in the
barracks. Organised solely by the band corporals, it turned into
a great night for all members and partners, topped off with all the
Scottish flair that makes a Robbie Burns event one to remember.
Unusually, the Band went on tour early in the year up to Port
Macquarie and Coffs Harbour in support of Legacy. We combined for
both concert series with our neighbouring Newcastle Band. On top of
a busy schedule, the Band’s naturally created some lively merriment
and mirth. Nonetheless, much needed funds were graciously raised
for Legacy during the two tours.
Leading the promotions charter this year was the band’s new
Second-in-Command, Captain Rachel Beeton. Rach was
commissioned by the Honorary Colonel late in 2011 and has been an
extremely valuable and enthusiastic addition to the Officer ranks within
the Corps. As well as heading up the Band’s administration, she still
plays a mean sax and liquorice stick whenever she can. 2012 has
also seen seven of our members attend career development courses,
resulting in some further well deserved promotions. Congratulations to
LCPL Nick Salter, LCPL Elspeth McGregor, CPL Bernard Winetroube,
SGT Danny Beeton and SGT Mark Jones. All members were justly
promoted in front of family and friends at various concerts around
Sydney.
Bagpiper CPL Adam Cameron-Taylor is to be commended for his
diligent work ethic when being deployed on several short notice
engagements overseas. As a result his work has been recognised by
senior members of the Army, and he was duly awarded the ‘Soldiers’
Medallion for Exemplary Service’. On top of the ‘Australian Active
Service Medal’ with ‘International Coalition Against Terror’ clasp
and the ‘Returned from Active Service Badge’ earned from these
deployments, Adam is now more suitably “gonged-up”.
Mid 2012 saw CPL Brendan Tasker and LCPL Simon McCauley join
the large ADF contingent Band that travelled to the Royal Edinburgh
Military Tattoo. Though a demanding event, they both took just
pride in representing the Australian Army at such an internationally
acclaimed occasion.
Following the winter slow down here in Sydney, spring brought with
it the vibrant Newcastle Jazz festival and the coveted Manly Jazz
Festival. Both celebrated festivals saw the Band receive standing
ovations from the large audiences that crowded the venues.
On top of this the ever popular spring balls for Defence
establishments every weekend during the September and
October kept the band swinging.
The end of the year saw us farewell the last of the concert
band instruments, colloquially referred to as “L’exotica“.
During the year, we’ve managed to perform as a small concert
band on a few occasions to some very appreciative listeners
as that era draws to a close.
Alas, 2013 will be seeing very few such concerts. We wish
our exotic instrumentalists all the best for their future postings.
Needless to say, our remaining commercial ensembles will
continue to raise the public image of the Australian Army in
the very professional manner they are renowned for, here in
this large, yet bustlingly vibrant, State capital city. •
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Kapooka
(AAB-K)
Officer Commanding/Music Director – Major Peter Thomas
Band Sergeant Major – Warrant Officer Class One Bland Holt
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2012 started with a rush for the three new and 22 returning members of AAB-K, with Australia Day activities quickly
giving way to the band’s all-time favourite command, “Bugler-sound on parade”. The band then settled into a routine
for the first month and a half as it developed all of its major ensembles: concert band, marching band, stage band,
rock band and jazz ensemble. With 25 members it wasn’t quite a concert band, but with only two trumpets and
two trombones it wasn’t quite a stage band either. The band had an awesome rhythm section, however, and CPL
Rich Hibble, CPL Rob Broberg, and MUSN Lachy Evans provided a solid foundation for all of the ensembles (with
drummers alternating their support depending on the ensemble).
The first major ‘hit out’ was a trip to Dubbo to perform a couple of
gigs in the magnificent Regional Theatre featuring CPL Simone Dew
from AAB-B. Alan Youngson is the manager of the theatre and has
been a strong supporter of army bands for many years (with a real
soft spot for Simone - he was managing the theatre in Geelong when
Simone began her stage career as a young girl). The concerts went
well but the heavens opened up on the band’s return to Wagga, and
after the localised flash flooding subsided, there was still concern as
to whether the Murrumbidgee would break its banks. As a precaution,
all residents (including many members of the band) of Central Wagga
were evacuated for a few nights until the waters began receding.
Thankfully Central Wagga was spared but North Wagga was
inundated for several weeks. Although the band was not required for
flood relief efforts, they were instrumental in putting together a flood
relief concert that included many local artists, plus Kasey Chambers
and John Williamson. The concert was a success with well over
$30,000 raised for the Mayor’s Flood Appeal.
In anticipation of AAB-K adopting the Support Band model (and in
spite of the fact that in 2012 they were still ‘almost’ a concert band),
the band has been moving away from traditional concert band
repertoire to ensure audiences are comfortable with a new direction.
With one or two minor exceptions (the perennial criticism – “I wish
you played more marches”), audiences have embraced the more
contemporary focus.
During May the band farewelled CPL Steph Knight as she took a
mid-year posting to AAB-M to follow husband Ricky who had been
appointed as fitness coach for the Melbourne Rebels. Despite losing
Steph, the band’s strength climbed to 29 (plus CPL Justin Lingard as
a Reservist) courtesy of a spate of postings from DFSM adding two
trumpets, a trombone and a sax: a full stage band! In addition to
CPL Melody Neilsen who had been doing a terrific job as lead vocalist
for the previous 18 months (despite being employed as a clarinettist),
the band was fortunate to have MUSN Jade Slater posted in which
provided terrific flexibility.
Significant concert band performances for 2012 have included,
combining with the Riverina Conservatorium and Cantelina
Singers to perform movements from Karl Jenkins’s ‘Mass for
Peace’ at St Michael’s Cathedral, combining with the Wagga
Rugby Male Choir to present a ‘Last Night at the Proms’ style
concert and performing at the Kapooka Open Day (with some
significant support from RMC Band and AAB-S), culminating in
a performance of the 1812 Overture with guns.
The rock band has been keeping staff and recruits entertained
and was selected to support AACAP (see separate article),
whilst the highlight for the stage band was opening the Wagga
Jazz and Blues Festival (albeit with an imported rhythm
section owing to our support to AACAP). The brass ensemble
performed another highly successful public concert, whilst
various jazz and classical ensembles have kept busy with mess
and community engagements.
September was a busy month for births with CPL Rich Hibble
and Felicity welcoming Sienna, and CPL Laura Burden’s
husband, SGT Luke Burden, was lucky to be at side for the
birth of Jake (he was raced home from operations in the Middle
East to be present). There must be something in the water
because both CPL Lisa Agnew and CPL Melody Neilsen have
also announced they are expecting in 2013.
The 2013 posting cycle will see AAB-K down to a strength of
22 although with leave, injury and courses, that many is not
expected on the parade ground. In addition to the posting
cycle, MUSN Lachy Evans will be transferring to the Reserves,
and being based in Melbourne he will be sorely missed. The
band wishes him and Laura all the best as they embark on a
new direction in their lives. •
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Melbourne
(AAB-M)
Officer Commanding/Music Director – Major Glenn Rogers
Band Sergeant Major – Warrant Officer Class One Kevin Hill
The AAB-M Rock Band “The Rising Suns” kept up appearances
trackside at the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix at Albert Park,
entertaining huge crowds of rev heads with INXS hits amidst the
roar of speeding engines. To fill in gaps with instrumentation, AAB-M
enlisted the assistance of MUSN Grant Thomas on guitar/vocals
and MUSN Lachlan Evans on keyboard. Amongst the thousands of
people that attended, MUSN Tina Rogers was lucky enough to meet
hunky TV vet, Dr Chris Brown. The Rising Suns were also actively
involved in the education of young musicians in the Melbourne area.
Under the direction of SGT Adam Matthews, performances at local
public schools were organised to both educate and inspire young
musicians.
Vocalist CPL Deborah O’Toole and the Jazz Group entertained the
fashionistas at the Melbourne Fashion Week reception, hosted by
the Governor of Victoria at Government House. The champagne was
flowing and the beautiful people nibbled on macaroons whilst enjoying
the band’s performance. In addition, the band’s scarlet jackets
would have inspired the assembled designers, and the Jazz Group’s
repertoire was anything but ‘olive drab’!
AAB-M was fortunate to secure positions on several overseas
representational trips including Gallipoli, Royal Edinburgh Military
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It was with great pleasure AAB-M announced an inaugural public
concert series to be held at ‘The Centre’ Ivanhoe. The venue
management very kindly donated their beautiful art deco auditorium
for concerts, with monies raised from each performance to support
various local charities including Legacy, the Austin Community
Aged Care Package and the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The response from the audience has been very encouraging and
is fundamental to the maintenance of an AAB-M identity within the
Melbourne community. The premiere concert, Tribute to the Anzacs,
featured a stunning SGT Peter Bell presentation of projected archival
imagery of the Gallipoli Campaign sourced from the Australian War
Memorial archives. The band is optimistic that this successful concert
series can continue in the years to come.
Tattoo, ANZAC Day Ypres, Belgium and Isurava Memorial Village,
Solomon Islands and the Exercise Longlook exchange. These
opportunities have naturally formed lasting impressions, for different
reasons, for all involved and provided proud moments for our
musicians, often performing to large audiences, and representing
Australia and the Australian Defence Force.
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2012 has proven to be a mixed bag of highlights and achievements that has seen great performances and
musicianship from all AAB-M personnel. Each individual’s contribution to the overall AAB-M capability has been
the cornerstone to a successful year; a year that has required great adaptability, professionalism and commitment.
There is always more than one way to achieve successful outcomes and team effort to produce 2012’s results has
been exemplary.
Lance SGT Clarke Doidge from The Band of the Irish Guards
enjoyed a brief tenure with AAB-M as part of the Exercise Longlook
exchange program. He shared many insights into the culture of
defence bands in the United Kingdom, as well as sharing the best
of his British humour with the band. Clarke managed to travel to
most bands around Australia to assist with performances and soak
up some the sights and atmosphere that is typically Australian. In
return, SGT Sean O’Toole joined Clarke’s colleagues overseas for
four months. His report can be read elsewhere in this Journal.
LCPL Zoey Pepper adorned herself in glory when she was crowned
overall woman’s ski champion at the 2012 ADF Alpine Snowsports
Championships. Having achieved good results in the past, Zoey
funded her own way there in order to participate, determined to
come back with the top prize. It was a hard fought battle with Zoey,
representing Army, victorious in the end.
Closer to home, AAB-M continued the successful relationship with
Defence Force School of Music (DFSM) with 15 ‘At Home’ and
‘Twilight’ concerts throughout the year. With the larger number
of musicians on stage thanks to DFSM staff, Navy and Air Force
Bands, the music selection allowed for some more challenging wind
band repertoire that extended those on stand.
Finally, a new ensemble that was introduced specifically for the
AABC Association Reunion Dinner was showcased on a number of
similar occasions with resounding success. The Cabaret Band, an
11-piece ensemble, is not a new concept; however, the application
of its capability will surely come into its own. It has all the hallmarks
of a very versatile ensemble; one that is capable of a variety of
repertoire and achieves a great result using a reduced number of
musicians – all the more necessary with future band structures
having less personnel. •
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1 Battalion
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Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR Band)
Officer Commanding/Music Director – Major Lindsay Mee
Band Sergeant Major – Warrant Officer Class One Gary Caira
Journal 2012
The 1 RAR Band has enjoyed a very productive year in 2012, building on the good work of last year and earlier.
Ongoing productive work is a constant reminder of the vast talent and dedication to music making that members of
the unit provide to Defence, Army, the North Queensland Community and our location host - the 1st Battalion, Royal
Australian Regiment.
At the end of last year (2011) the band farewelled a number of its
team as they were posted to bands down south. They included SGT
Peta Lockhart and CPL Brendan Tasker to AAB-S, CPL Marcus
McCray to AAB-B and MUSN Barney Briggs to the RMC Band in
Canberra. In January CPL David Matthews (Trumpet/Bass Guitar)
from AAB-K and MUSN Jason Mitchell (Tenor Sax) from AAB-M joined
the 1 RAR Band. Also in August this year MUSN Rebecca Williams
and CPL Wade Burgess returned from leave. Wade has returned
to the regular Army after a stint as a reservist with AAB-T and also
spending some time on the road discovering Australia with his family.
As with most years, 2012 has been packed with activities for the
band and has included numerous trips around the North Queensland
area promoting the image of the Army. In February the unit travelled
to Mt Isa to participate in the “Ronald McDonald House Charity Ball”,
where a donation of 1 million dollars was made by Xstrata to help with
the construction of more accommodation for families during treatment
of their children at Townsville Hospital. It was a pleasure for us to
be able to support this event and help foster greater ties between
Defence and the community in North Queensland.
A two-week series of school concerts within the Townsville area was
planned for early March, targeting mainly schools with students of
Defence families, however they were cancelled due to a health scare
to MUSN Grant Thomas. After an operation to place 4 stints into his
heart he returned to duties and the band was back in business.
Another highlight for the band this year has been the launch of a
series of three concerts at the “Riverway Arts Centre” with a theme of
1 RAR Band ‘Tunes @ 11am’ in support of local Townsville charities.
These concerts are in conjunction with the Townsville City Council
and Thuringowa Rotary Club. The first two shows were in support of
the Townsville Legacy Explorers Club. The ‘Explorers Club’ is a new
branch of Townsville Legacy whose role is to look after the younger
widows and wards of personnel who have died recently as a result of
Defence service. The final show for the year in October supported the
Townsville Cystic Fibrosis Association.
The annual “North Queensland Defence Legacy Ball” (now in its
second year) was a great success during September, with over 500
people enjoying the evening dancing to the sounds of 1 RAR Band.
Naturally this has not been the only Defence-related activity the band
has supported this year; another highlight was its involvement
with the Welcome to Townsville parade for personnel from
the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. The band also
supported the 3rd Battalion for their annual Kapyong Day
celebrations, executing a Beat Retreat Parade, followed by
a performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture combining
with Townsville’s Barrier Reef Orchestra and complete
with the guns from 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery.
Other highlights have included support to the 2nd Battalion
Association Reunion, 5th Aviation Regiment Ball, Deployed
Troops Farewell Parades, Family Days and numerous dinners
and unit functions. Of course the band continued to support
the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment for their activities.
All in all it’s been a very busy year for 1 RAR Band and we
look forward to the coming year and the numerous challenges
that will bring. •
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Regimental
The 2012 Royal
Edinburgh
Sergeant
Major
Australian Army Band Corps
Warrant Officer Class One Vaughan Grant
Military Tattoo (REMT) Edinburgh, Scotland
Contingent Commander – Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Lambie CSM
Drum Major – Warrant Officer Class One Vaughan Grant
supportive and honest environment we shall see the best results
eventuate.
Such an environment was fostered by those involved in the 2012
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Although mistakes were made,
the negative criticism that can diminish the will to perform was not
prevalent. This group of like-minded people supported each other to
achieve, and to be involved in the performance to the highest levels.
The rewards of this behaviour were obvious to all involved and directly
contributed to the praise they garnered from all over the globe.
Journal 2012
Lastly, we need to bring these traits to all our performances. Be
involved, strive to perform at your best and encourage others to strive
as well. Respect your audience – don’t just sit there but reach out to
them, smile at them, touch them emotionally, thank them for coming
to the concert with your body language. I used to cringe when asked
to interact with audiences; however, I have come to realise that it is a
part of a moral contract that we enter into with our audience because
we are entertainers. We work hard to stir emotions within them and
they thank us with their applause and attention. Go up to a stranger
after your next gig - smile, and thank them for coming, tell them that
you hoped they enjoyed the show and see what happens. You will be
overwhelmed by the feedback. •
In 2011 the Chief of the Defence Force accepted an invitation for an ADF Band to be represented at the 2012 REMT.
From the outset there were expectations that any representation from Australia would follow on from the highly
successful AABC performances at the 2011 Basel tattoo in Switzerland. Subsequently DMUS-A was appointed as
the Contingent Commander and it was decided that 18 members from each Service would be selected to represent
Australia as the first full-time Defence Band to perform at the Tattoo. The 220,000 people attending the Edinburgh
Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade in August witnessed one of the most unusual performance pieces in the event’s
60-year history.
Journal 2012
Don’t worry about the minutiae of bureaucracy. It occurs, and needs to do so
correctly, but do not let it stop you from taking pleasure from the performance.
During the year I have encouraged everyone to be informed and
remain involved in our ever-changing work place. This also means
remaining current with Defence policy and procedure; as, if your work
practises remain the same as they were a year ago, then they are
undoubtedly out of date. For instance drug testing procedures have
changed several times this year, Defence travel is amended monthly,
the Army Capability Management System guidelines remain dynamic
in reaction to the refocussed attention of Army Headquarters, Army
Standing Orders for Dress is undergoing yet another major revision,
Workplace Health & Safety has replaced Occupational Health & Safety
and the review of military law is ongoing. Time spent checking the
reference will more than offset time spent cleaning up the potential
mess and reduce any adverse personal and personnel impacts.
I also counsel all members of the Corps to ‘Keep Calm and Carry
On’. It is vital that we communicate amongst each other to share
information and generate viable plans to continue our role within the
wider Defence Force. It is understood that transitions are difficult,
whether that be changing instruments or administering new policy,
and that we need to be realistic in our ability to evolve. However,
now is not the time to deal in ultimatums or make rushed decisions
based on incomplete information. Now is the time for patience and
considered thoughtful communication. By working together in a
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Tattoo Chief Executive and Producer, Brigadier David Allfrey, said
“While the Tattoo seeks to entertain and inspire it is always good
to not take ourselves too seriously. This year has seen so many
extraordinary celebrations: Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
and the Olympics both to set the scale. These are all about joy and
we all love a celebration. With the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty
the Queen’s accession to the throne as its principal theme, this year’s
Tattoo also celebrates the ‘Year of Creative Scotland’ by spotlighting
some of this country’s most enduring achievements and I am thrilled
with our international guests. As ever the Tattoo is proud to present
some of the very best!”
We were part of the best of British pomp performing with the very
best pipe and military bands from across the globe. We were about
to march into history and present a selection of traditional and
contemporary music, tracing the transition from colonial times to
present day. The Castle is arguably the most prominent stage for a
Military Band to perform on and we were there.
Of course it didn’t just happen - planning commenced early in
the year with the AABC RSM, WO1 Vaughan Grant designing the
marching display and SGT Greg Peterson arranging the music.
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For many, the flight in a RAAF C-17 was a first and it would take four
days to arrive in Edinburgh via the United States. An overnight stop
amazing and for some, it took a few minutes to come back to reality.
Contingent administration officer, CAPT Stephen Button, said “after
nearly 29 years of performing there was nothing like this experience.
It was worth the wait.”
We finally arrived in Edinburgh where we settled into our
accommodation at the Edinburgh University. We were pleasantly
surprised to have a room and en-suite per person. After a day of
acclimatising we were back on the parade ground to rehearse the
whole show with the rest of the cast.
So much of what we wanted to achieve was based on our music
selection and up to this point we were still in discussions to have
all of our music approved. The management of AC/DC was not
forthcoming in allowing us to perform their songs and it wasn’t
until the night before the dress rehearsal that all of the music was
approved. To say this was a huge relief is a major understatement!
On completion of our first dress rehearsal, we knew we had
something different than had ever been performed at the Tattoo. Only
the ‘Colonials’ could get away with this, and we did! We had the
crowd on their feet dancing away and following our choreography,
and there was a massive adrenalin rush as we marched off after 6
minutes and 40 seconds of performance. Where did that time go and all those rehearsals? The collective feeling across the group was
Journal 2012
Personnel representing the AABC came from the Directorate of Music,
RMC Band, AAB-B, AAB-S, AAB-K, AAB-M, DFSM and a reservist
from AAB-N. Together with the RAN and RAAF Musicians, all were
keen to ensure that we performed as a united band and by the end
of the rehearsal week there was little separation between us. This
outcome was a most valuable element for all. Once we had finished
rehearsals it was off to Royal Military College Parade Ground and
Russell Offices to ‘show our wares’ in pre-deployment performances.
We were farewelled by the CDF and it wasn’t long before the show hit
the road.
at Hawaii and a few days at Colorado Springs provided time to relax
after 10 days of non-stop marching band rehearsals. It was good to
stretch the legs and see a bit more than just the inside of a plane.
Journal 2012
The contingent assembled in Canberra in early July. Minus five
degrees was not the warmest way to start but music rehearsals
commenced, followed by seemingly endless days of marching up and
down a rugby oval rehearsing the show into shape, literally ‘breaking
the ice’ most mornings. Traditional Australian folk tunes and the more
contemporary repertoire of Kylie Minogue and AC/DC became familiar
sounds to the intrigued locals, and initially some weren’t too pleased
at the necessary repetition of rehearsals, but as time moved on the
calibre of the polished product prevailed.
The duration of each of the 25 sold-out performances was 100
minutes, yet from rollcall we were committed for six hours. Once in
‘show mode’ though the routine allowed for some daytime activities
prior to duties commencing. Edinburgh is steeped in history and
the majority made the most of it. For some it was a daily routine of
climbing or running around Arthur’s Seat or souvenir shopping in the
Royal Mile.
As part of the Australian experience for the locals, the Tattoo
Organisers provided an opportunity for the Band to perform at
Glasgow as part of a mini Tattoo (International Bands only), the Royal
Yacht Britannia and the local Edinburgh Fringe Festival in conjunction
with the High Commission in London.
There were the traditional cast parties where our Tri-Service Rock
band performed, giving our fellow performers a chance to witness
first-hand the skills our musicians hold other than with their marching
band instruments. The most interesting act was by the US Naval
Forces Europe Band and their Brass Group. This was no traditional
performance by any means and gave ‘food for thought’ to some
regarding the usual entertainment methods!
It wasn’t long before living the dream became just a memory. We
packed up our bags and headed off to the airport to trial a new
RAAF KC-30 for a 27-hour journey home. The experience of a
lifetime for some and, for others it was their first military task as an
Army Musician. You can’t explain the diversity of the group, but the
feeling that we all contributed to this amazing experience will remain
with us forever.
A closing statement by BRIG Allfrey really sums up the experience –
“I sense that you will have swelled with pride - and some satisfaction
- at the performance delivered by this shockingly talented band. Their
professionalism and ‘can do’ has stood out from the outset, and
Australia can be so pleased with their contribution to the show.” •
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ANZAC Day 2012
Gallipoli, Turkey
Australian Army Band Corps representative band
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Journal 2012
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Australians appreciate the historical and national significance of the events that unfolded at dawn on the 25th of
April, 1915. Annually on this day our nation stands still as a mark of respect - to remember and give thanks to the
thousands of Australians who made personal sacrifices, then and in campaigns since, in order to preserve our
freedom and to protect our interests.
For Army musicians, performance at commemorative services
throughout Australia is part of our ‘bread and butter’. Attendance
at commemorative services throughout Australia is strong and
there is an increase in the number of organisations wishing to
conduct services. In addition many schools throughout Australia
now conduct commemorative services prior to ANZAC day as part
of their educational programmes and in particular our buglers, “the
custodians of the Last Post”, take centre stage all over the nation.
Journal 2012
It is fair to say that for musicians in ADF bands one of the most
sought after tasks on ANZAC Day is performing for the annual
commemorative activities at Gallipoli. For AABC members this
happens once every three years and, as it is traditionally a small band,
the opportunity is rare in a soldier’s career.
on stage and video footage projected onto large screens around the
commemorative site. The AABC band performed twice throughout
the evening to an appreciative crowd which enjoyed the selection of
Australian folk music and music from periods of conflict in Australia’s
history.
At the international Dawn Service the AABC band combined with
musicians from the New Zealand Army Band. LCPL Arthur Florence
had the honour of bugling ‘The Last Post’ and vocalist CPL Simone
Dew sang the Australian National Anthem. The band also combined
with a student choir from two Brisbane-based schools. They had had
been preparing for the performance with the AAB-B many weeks prior
to travelling overseas.
For 2012 the representation included musicians selected from bands in
Brisbane, Kapooka, Sydney, Townsville and Melbourne. The 18-piece
ensemble was shaped to enable it to cover the cross-section of musical
styles required to perform at a number of different events. Principally
the band supported the dawn service but the music performed was
considerably more than is broadcast on Australian television.
Immediately following the dawn service the band was quickly
escorted from ANZAC Cove to Lone Pine where the Australian
Commemorative Service was to take place. At this more relaxed
event the crowd comprised mostly Australians who had travelled to
Turkey specifically to participate in the commemorative activities. The
band once again performed concert music for the gathering crowd
with some combined items with the schools choir.
travelled to Turkey with his son - not only to attend services but
to also see his two daughters, CPLs Melody and Tara Neilsen,
perform as members of the AABC band. This activity was
no doubt a career highlight for Tara who executed a faultless
rendition of ‘The Last Post’, telecast live to the world. A family
affair to be remembered!
Throughout the evening leading up to the dawn service there was a
continuous entertainment programme including a mixture of live acts
One of the Australians present was Mr B.W. ‘Nobby’ Neilsen from
Cairns. Mr Neilsen is a former AABC Band Sergeant Major who had
In addition to the main events on ANZAC Day the band
performed Guard of Honour duties at the Turkish Memorial
Service and also supported an International Commemorative
Service. Following ANZAC Day the band travelled to eastern
Turkey where it performed at the Australian Embassy.
Prior to ANZAC Day the members had toured the battlefields
to try to gain, as best they could, an appreciation of the
extraordinary sacrifices made by the Australians who had
fought there from 1915. This underscored the importance of
these representational duties and ensured all aspects were
‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experiences in their service to the nation. •
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Army Aboriginal
Community Assistance
Program (AACAP)
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Journal 2012
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Australian Army Band Kapooka Rock Band
Journal 2012
Dampier Peninsular - red dirt road as far as the eye can see - picturesque, serene beaches as yet untouched by
overwhelming tourism. Separated from the city life within the beauty of this harsh wilderness three aboriginal
communities inhabit. It is here, amongst the heart of the Western Australian Kimberly Coast, we find the Australian
Flag raised high and the now familiar camouflage uniforms of our Australian soldiers. And it is also here we find the
Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program.
AACAP is essentially an assistance program for Aboriginal
communities in Australia run by Army. Men and women from many
different Corps come together to build and create sustainability within
the communities. But it is much more than that. This year, AACAP
provided a training team to go beyond the building and get right
into the heart of the communities to teach them useful skills and
qualifications in practices such as boat handling and welding. Due
to the large number of musically talented locals within the area, they
also provided courses with a professional band. These helped the
communities to develop an understanding of how to get their name
and talent ‘out there’ and further their love for music into a career. This
is where the Kapooka Rock Band comes in!
From the preparation stages to the end, the AACAP adventure was
a fun journey of learning, teaching, many unknowns and practice,
practice, practice! The Australian Army Rock Band Kapooka, or as
they not so commonly call themselves, “Free Beer”, began to embark
on planning the musical stages for AACAP during the chilly winter
months of June and July. The band consisted of SGT Steve Turner
(kit), SGT Rebecca Wiggins (rhythm guitar and back-up vocals), CPL
Rob Broberg (bass guitar), CPL Rich Hibble (lead guitar), MUSN
Lachy Evans (keys) and me, MUSN Jade Slater (lead vocals). During
the latter stages we recruited SGT Stuart Gunn from DFSM as our
sound and lighting guru, also serving as our reserve bass player.
Upon arrival we started full throttle into arranging our gear and work
timetables but we all knew we would essentially have to ‘play it by
ear’. In the first week we learnt about all three communities and had
the pleasure to play for the troops at after dinner concerts. Practicing
was hot and sweaty inside our little “band-hut” tent and coming from
Wagga (which was close to 0 degrees most nights) we were definitely
not adjusted to the 40-degree heat at that point!
Our second week was spent in a community 40 minutes south of
where the base was located in a place called Beagle Bay. Here we
discovered a friendly neighbourhood of people who were very avid
about their music! One such individual, Albert Wiggan, was
discovered by the John Butler Trio and was recently flown
to Melbourne to play as the support act. With Albert and his
band, we worked on sound and lighting techniques and also
rehearsal techniques to help him and his band work cohesively
and productively. He became a very close friend of ours and
took us fishing and showed us some traditional ways of the
land.
During our third and fourth weeks on AACAP, we packed up
our gear and set up in the community of Lombadina/Djaradjin
and then in the community of Ardyaloon, right up at the top
of Western Australia. Sadly, we didn’t get a wide range of
reception in either of these communities but still entertained
the locals and got curious passers-by to grab an instrument
and have a simple jam with us. Rich Hibble had to leave us
at this time to go and look after his heavily pregnant wife but
Townsville guitarist LCPL Grant Thomas, adding his own brand
of vibrancy to the band, gladly joined us! The brass section of
the Kapooka Rock Band also arrived. These members were
CPL Nicholas Bowman on trumpet, LCPL Scott McCormick on
trombone and MUSN James McMahon on Saxophone. Having
these new members intrigued our audiences and we were able
to engage people on a different level, as most had never seen
these instruments up close before.
On our last Saturday night, we organised a concert in the
Ardyaloon community and invited those that had worked with
us from all three communities to come and perform with us.
This included Albert Wiggan and his band, the AACAP rock
band (made up of the soldiers of AACAP that we discovered
who loved playing) and a vocal group consisting of four
members of the Beagle Bay community. The concert was well
received and we had quite a large number of people from all
three communities and the soldiers from camp in attendance.
All in all, our AACAP trip was one made up of new experiences
and the creation of new friendships. Musically, it opened our
eyes to the wide range of undiscovered talent just sitting in
remote communities and it was an honour to be a part of
musical development for these communities. •
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Exercise Longlook
2012, United Kingdom
Sergeant Sean O’Toole
Exercise Longlook is an annual four-month exchange program between the ADF and the UK Ministry of Defence
across many different Corps and trades. SGT Sean O’Toole, a kit drummer and percussionist reports …
At the end of 2011 I was informed by my OC I had been selected as
the AABC representative for Exercise Longlook in 2012. To say that
I was excited would be a massive understatement, as Longlook has
always been something I wanted to do. I was co-hosted by The Band
of the Irish Guards, based at Wellington Barracks in Central London,
and The Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, in Twickenham.
Journal 2012
My journey started at the end of March and, after an epic four day aerial
route on a Royal New Zealand Air Force 757, the contingent landed at
Royal Air Force Base Brize Norton where I was met by my reciprocal
exchangee, Lance Sergeant Clarke Doidge from the Band of the Irish
Guards, and driven to Kneller Hall where I spent my first few days.
Following this, I was taken to Wellington Barracks to meet the Director
of Music, Major Wayne Hopla, who explained a packed program that
had been put together by one of the Sergeants in the band.
Whilst in the UK, I worked with nine different bands from the Corps
of Army Music (CAMUS), and was involved in some fantastic gigs. I
worked with the Bands of the Irish, Welsh, Coldstream and Grenadier
Guards; The Royal Artillery Band; The Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai
Band; The Band of the Adjutant General’s Corps; The Band of the
Blues and Royals (a mounted band), and the Army Big Band.
Being in London during The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations
was an amazing experience. The city was buzzing and I was involved
in some performances that I will remember forever, including a
performance in front of The Queen at Windsor Castle with a massed
band of 300 musicians. I was also lucky enough to play at one of The
Queen’s famous garden parties at Buckingham Palace.
Some of the other gigs that stood out included playing at the FA Cup
Final at Wembley Stadium (where I had the BBC convinced that my
ceremonial uniform was pants and a singlet!), changing the Guard at
Buckingham Palace, the Dover Tattoo, and the Sovereign’s Parade at
the Sandhurst Academy.
The best gig I did was with the Army Big Band, a band comprising the
best jazz and big band players from all the CAMUS bands. We came
together for two days of rehearsal and then performed on the outdoor
stage at Kneller Hall. The band played some very challenging repertoire
and, considering only two days of rehearsal, they sounded amazing.
An added element making that performance memorable was the fact
that my wife, CPL Deborah O’Toole who was on holiday visiting me,
sang three tunes with the band that night. Needless to say, everyone
was very impressed.
Exercise Longlook 2012 will go down as a career highlight, and I have
come away from it with some great memories and good friends. Being
able to experience life as a military musician in an environment as
professional as CAMUS was very worthwhile, and will certainly give me
more experience to draw from as I continue my career in the AABC. •
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70 Anniversary
Battle of El Alamein,
North Africa
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CPL Ashley Thomson
On the 24th of October 2012 an inspiring group of people observed a minutes silence at the 9th Division memorial at
the El Alamein War Cemetery.
My duties on this tour began in Sydney on the 15th of October with
a service at the Hyde Park Memorial. I very much recommend a visit
to this beautiful granite memorial if given the opportunity. Its interior
features a domed ceiling with 120,000 stars, one for each of New
South Wales’ military volunteers during World War I. Acoustically it
was a beautiful location to play bugle. It was a moving service and a
great way to begin the tour to North Africa. Whilst in Sydney we also
enjoyed a tour of Victoria Barracks and a function to welcome the
veterans hosted by the Minister for Defence, Warren Snowden, and
the Chief of Army.
Twelve members of the Federation Guard were part of the tour. Each
of these members was teamed with two of the veterans to escort
and help when required. I accompanied the only Tasmanian veteran,
The Australian service was held just prior to the International Service
at the 9th Division Memorial. This memorial is located adjacent to the
International War Graves. Bugling at this service was an emotional
and proud moment for me. The service was well conducted - a
highlight for me being a poem, written and read by one of our
veterans Mr Gordon Wallace, entitled “The Last Post”.
The International Service was a privilege to attend. The buglers
were members of the ‘The Band of the Blues and Royals’ from the
UK. They played on bugles especially made for the Queen’s Golden
Jubilee. I didn’t envy them with their heavy uniforms!
However, as significant as these formal ceremonies were, one
image will stay with me most powerfully. I watched these amazing
and dignified veterans place poppies at their mate’s graves in a
dusty foreign desert. The memories for them were still very real and
emotional. This poignant sight left many of us who witnessed it in tears.
To quote the Chief of Army in his address at the Australian Service,
“We have not forgotten them.” •
Journal 2012
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I was given the honour of bugling for this important occasion. I was
also given the privilege of accompanying these veterans on battlefield
and museum tours, the German memorial, and attending International
service at the Commonwealth War Graves.
Mr Keith Hanson, a 93-year old RAAF veteran. We formed a good
friendship and I will remain in contact with him back here in Tasmania.
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This group of 21 veterans, aged between 88 and 95, were part of a
Commemorative mission to North Africa to mark the 70th Anniversary
of the Battle of El Alamein and the North Africa Campaigns.
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ANZAC Day 2012
Isurava, Papua New Guinea
Musician Phillip O’Neill
“Trenching through the humid, mosquito-infested
jungles of Papua New Guinea dressed in full combat
gear, climbing endless pathless mountains, slipping
every second step ‘cause you’re too busy dodging
bullets to watch where you’re going.”
This vision of how our troops had endured these atrocious conditions
came to mind whilst trekking to the Isurava Village Memorial for the
ANZAC Day Commemoration Service.
Journal 2012
At dawn on the 25th April 2012 I stood where our men had shown
the true Aussie spirit and determination generations earlier when
overcoming the odds with a Spartan-like victory over the Japanese.
The feeling was nothing less than inspirational! •
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Thousands of people from all over the world travel to trek the Kokoda
Trail and see this proud Australian landmark every year. On this
occasion, the 70th Anniversary of one of Australia’s most historic
battles, I had the honour of representing the nation in bugling ‘The
Last Post’.
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Operation Anode
Solomon Islands
Australian Army Band Melbourne representatives
In February 2012 WO1 Kevin Hill, SGT Peter Bell, CPL Blair Fairbairn and MUSN Paul Cowpe-Pendleton from AAB-M
were deployed as the technical team in support of the entertainment for personnel involved in OP ANODE in the
Solomon Islands.
Rob Farnham and Danielle Blakey were the main vocal features, with
a support band of fine musicians from across the eastern seaboard of
Australia.
Journal 2012
The moment the plane landed and the doors were opened, the
oppressive humidity zapped all energy from our cool weatheracclimatised bodies. With our baggage in hand and introductions
made to our supporting Australian Defence Force personnel, we were
loaded onto a ‘Coaster’ with very questionable air conditioning and
transported a very short, yet extremely bumpy, five kilometres to our
fortified compound.
After an induction brief and a quick tour of the facility we made
our way to our accommodation, which was very good and also air
conditioned, before heading into Harry’s Bar to check out the venue
for the two performances. It was a small area but workable, so long
as you took great care to dodge the low ceiling fans!
A truck with four palettes of instruments, sound and lighting
equipment soon arrived for us to work our magic. By the time the
performers arrived on the afternoon of day two, we had transformed
the bare canvas into a stage that any ‘Rock God’ would be proud of.
Both shows went off without a hitch, and we even mustered up a
support band for the second night gig - troops who had formed their
own band in the location for something fun to do. You guessed it they were a hit!
The deployment was very short, but the experience of being involved
with these professional entertainers, as well as assisting in supporting
the Peacekeepers in the Solomon Islands, was something that can
only be expressed in this simple way - pride. •
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Pacific Armies
Management
Seminar (PAMS)
Band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon
From the 16th to the 20th of July the RMC Band was tasked to support the Pacific Armies Management Seminar. The
event is hosted each year by one of the Pacific nations with Australia flying the flag in 2012. This was marked as a high
priority early in the year, with direction from CA that the music had to be good and it had to have the ‘wow’ factor.
The music and video footage was all recorded and presented for
approval. One senior officer was a little sceptical and after viewing it
quoted “I hope it is going to be bigger than this”…well bigger it was.
‘Sing Sing Sing’ was next, with a cameo appearance all the way from
Tasmania by WO1 Rohan Stubbings who hasn’t lost that knack to
draw a crowd into his antics, quickly warming the audience to the
performance.
The ‘Andrews Sisters’ then entered centre stage. SGT Kirsty Bird,
MUSN Lorelei Williamson and MUSN Toni Maxfield, with MUSN
Jono Apps as the Bugle Boy, sang us through WWII. Moving onto
the Korean and Vietnam conflicts the haunting melody of ‘Hector the
Hero’ on Penny Whistle from WO2 Wendy Kehoe was later joined
by the Bagpipes of SSGT Paul Scott, CPL Adam Cameron-Taylor,
LCPL Don Mackay and MUSN Sean Manning as the video footage
simultaneously became colour for the first time.
Journal 2012
Following many high-level conferences in the early stages of planning,
a program was devised for the welcome reception; one featuring
a musical tribute to the iconic Rising Sun symbol depicting the
Australian Army’s heritage from the Boer War to present day. To
add the ‘wow’ factor the CA was after … step forward CPL James
Duquemin (Duke). Following his Commander’s intent, away he went
to design a light and sound show to enhance the music and sell the
Australian Army to our visiting guests.
The show’s finale included an AC/DC tribute with CAPT Nigel Davy
and CPL Dougie Hall setting the mood with duelling guitars and our
own Angus (LCPL Dave Andrews) and MUSN Toni Maxfield singing
up a storm.
The band grabbed the audience’s attention from the start marching
into the Great Hall of Parliament House with some well-known
marches from the Boer War and WWI arriving on stage to sing the
‘Brown Slouch Hat’. From there CPL Duquemin’s footage took centre
stage as the band paid tribute to the Australian Soldier under the
banner of ‘The Rising Sun’.
Journal 2012
The week’s activities involved a number of tasks for the band from the opening ceremony, through a number of small ensembles
providing background music for various functions and culminating
in the closing ceremony. There were two main activities identified by
the CA as showcases for the band - the official welcome reception
at Parliament House and the PAMS Ball held at the Australian War
Memorial.
Another job for the RMC Band was ‘done and dusted’ and it was
time to pack down. It was at this moment the accolades started in
droves - the CA was the first to ‘lock the OC down’ and had a grin
from ear to ear, followed by visiting General after visiting General. One
General was overheard saying to the CA that “what I just witnessed
shows why the Australian Army is so revered around the world. Team
work, professionalism and pride in the Australian Uniform”. The RSM
of the Army rang the RMC Band’s BSM the next day requesting
CPL Duquemin’s footage to use in future presentations he was
undertaking.
Similar feedback came from the closing Ball also. The precision drum
display crafted by SGT Dick Cutler to open, and the dynamic vocal
talents of LCPLs Dave Andrews and Tanya Christensen to close
thrilled the audience to finish off a busy week for seminar participants
in the same fashion they had been welcomed - with a ‘wow’. The
Chief of Army’s intent had been met.
PAMS may have been ‘just another week’ in the life of an Army
Musician, yet it highlighted what value the AABC has in enhancing
the image of Defence to all walks of life. Not only did we deliver the
‘wow’ factor to the visiting Generals from the Pacific region, but we
also moved the CA to write a hand written message to the members
of the band:
“Daniel,
A quick note to applaud the wonderful work done by the Band of the
Royal Military College in support of the Pacific Armies Management
Seminar.
You head a most professional group of men and women who do
terrific work representing our Army and helping to tell the Army story.
I am very proud of you all.
David Morrison” •
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Visit by the
President of the
Unites States of
America to Darwin
MUSN Robin Kidney
Being given the opportunity to perform for the US President was such an honour.
I was presented with a US Defence commemorative coin to which I
have had mounted with the photo and have hanging in my loungeroom as a memento for the great occasion.
Editor’s note – This visit was in late 2011, however the story missed
the deadline for the 2011 Journal. •
Journal 2012
It was the first time I have played ‘TAPS’, and I found it somewhat
easier and shorter than the ‘Last Post’. Although I was part of only a
very short wreath laying service, totalling 6 minutes, meeting President
Obama at its conclusion and having a group photo with the combined
U.S. and Australian Guard was an experience not to forget.
Journal 2012
This was the first time a U.S. President has visited Darwin and the
resources utilised during his brief visit were certainly stretched to their
limits. This in itself provided a nightmare just to gain entrance to the
Esplanade, where his arrival was closed to the public and only a few
selected members and dignitaries were granted access.
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ANZAC Day 2012
Adelaide
Ypres, Belgium
Lance Corporal Fiona Wilkins
For ANZAC Day 2012 I was honoured to be selected as the
Army vocalist representative from the ADF for services in
Ypres, Belgium. Teaming with Able Seaman Stephanie Monk
from the RAN and Corporal Roxanne Moxham from the RAAF
our performances included a number of very moving ‘Last
Post’ Ceremonies at the Menin Gate Memorial.
It would be easy to look back on 2012 as just another year. The job board had all the standard gigs that are an
annual occurrence on the performance calendar. Mandatory training, medicals, fitness assessments and shoots
were still a part of Army life, and of course packing and unpacking trucks continues to be a necessary part of the
process of making music. But as with any year, 2012 presented the band with its own unique set of opportunities
and challenges.
Journal 2012
The year started early with a Citizenship Ceremony at the historic Fort
Glanville and for the first time in a couple of years the band managed
to stay dry. Not even the firing of the 10 inch gun was able to bring rain
this year. The now-traditional nosh up of pizza and lamingtons after the
ceremony is a very welcome part of the job and with fitness testing not
due until November was certainly enjoyed by the entire band.
Journal 2012
In addition to our many commitments, I was fortunate to experience
a half-day guided battlefield tour of Ypres and Messines Ridge, and
visited the graves of two of my great uncles; both of whom fought and
died in 1917 during the Battle of Messines. •
(AAB-A)
Officer Commanding/Music Director – Captain Dean Griffiths
Band Sergeant Major – Warrant Officer Class Two Graeme Reynolds
ANZAC Day itself began with the dawn service at Buttes New British
Cemetery in Polygon Wood. We also sang at several other services,
including at the Tyne Cot and Toronto Avenue Cemeteries. I was
asked to sing the Belgian National Anthem in Flemish at every service
– and I must have done OK as some of the locals asked me if I was
Belgian!
The pilgrimage culminated in a concert at Zonnebeke where we
performed for the final time as a vocal trio, singing repertoire of the
famous Andrews Sisters accompanied by the New Zealand Veterans’
Band.
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During the month of February it was time to get down to the business
of making music, and preparing for the year ahead with a variety of
ensembles getting together for rehearsals. Not always an easy task
with personnel sometimes unavailable as they juggle work, study and
family commitments. The year ahead promised to provide plenty of
scope for the band to show off its various talents. Along with regular
performances around Adelaide, a number of country concerts also
meant visiting a fair bit of the state. The first of these was a concert
in support of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in the mid-north
town of Crystal Brook, situated 220 kms north of Adelaide. After the
three-hour bus ride the band performed to a large audience and the
afternoon raised some much needed funds for the Women’s and
Children’s Hospital Auxiliary. Another of the band’s long distance
concerts was in July when the band travelled to the coastal town
of Tumby Bay, a nine-hour bus ride around the Eyre Peninsular of
South Australia. The RSL of Tumby Bay invited the band to perform
a Memorial Service and Fundraising Concert which were both great
successes, and it was a privilege to be able to support the RSL in such
a remote location.
March brought the sad news of the passing of Warrant Officer Class
Two Claude Hale BEM, grandfather of Musician Jaclyn Hale, a current
member of the band. A true gentleman, Claude was a respected
founding member of the Australian Army Band Corps and held a long
list of noteworthy achievements. The band room at Warradale Barracks
was named in his honour in 1996. The band, along with former
members who had served with Claude, was honoured to play at his
funeral.
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Journal 2012
Throughout the year the band strengthened its association with music
students at a number of schools in the metropolitan area. These
workshops and concerts are enjoyed just as much by the members
of the band as they are by the students, and are a great way to show
emerging musicians (and potential recruits) that an Army Band isn’t
just about marching. This year the band combined with the students of
Brighton Secondary School to celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary.
The band also performed with the Immanuel College students at their
annual Night of Music presenting a musical showcase that raised funds
for many local community charities.
On ANZAC Day the band supported many ex-service organisations,
including the RSL Club of Macclesfield. In Macclesfield, the band
performed an evening memorial service, where as night fell, poems
were recited and images of the ANZACs were projected onto the War
Memorial, making it a very moving service. During the month of April the
band also performed a combined concert with the Pulteney Grammar
School entitled ‘Tribute to the ANZAC’, in support of the Legacy Club
of South Australia. This was also a great opportunity for the school
students to be involved in commemorating ANZAC Day.
The Army Band Adelaide is privileged to have some very talented
musicians who combine to form various ensembles within the band,
providing the capability to support a variety of events. From the solo
guitar work of MUSN Richie Robinson entertaining the crowd in
Rundle Mall for the ANZAC Appeal, to the jazz group and sax quartet
performing at Military dinners and the Stage Band providing the sounds
of Glenn Miller at the RAAF Autumn Ball. The Women’s and Children’s
Hospital were also visited by some wandering minstrels from AAB-A,
putting smiles on the faces of both the patients and staff at the hospital.
This year the band combined with the Royal Australian Navy Band – SA
Detachment for the Legacy Remembers concert in the wonderful Elder
Concert Hall in Adelaide. The concert was held on the anniversary of
the end of WW2 and this was commemorated by a special tribute to
the grandfather of a member of the band (WO2 Frank Daly), who was
killed in action fighting against the Japanese in 1942. Musician Stuart
Fong, who is currently studying acting at Flinders University, took on the
role of Frank’s grandfather, kitted out in WW2 uniform, and delivered a
very moving performance that left very few dry eyes in the audience.
The band rounded the year off much the same way as it started (flat
out), providing support to 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment
Task Group Farewell Parade, the Royal Australian Airforce Officers’
Mess Ball, a fundraising concert for Legacy and a leisurely 3.5km march
through the streets of Adelaide in support of the largest Christmas
Pageant in the Southern Hemisphere. The band also supported
Remembrance Day services and finished the year in support of the
Woodcroft Community Carols and the Rotary Club of Unley Family
Carols. The last concert for the year also sounded the end of the Band
Sergeant Major’s tenure with the band. WO2 Graeme Reynolds will be
posted to the Australian Defence Force Academy as Bandmaster in
2013, as the band welcomes WO2 Ray Hingston as his replacement.
As for 2013, we can be sure the New Year will bring its own unique set
of opportunities and challenges. We look forward to building on the
solid reputation of AAB-A, and continuing to provide quality musical
support to Defence and the community of South Australia. •
Journal 2012
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44
Darwin
(AAB-D)
45
Journal 2012
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Officer Commanding/Music Director – Captain Darren Cole
Band Sergeant Major – Warrant Officer Class Two Pete Mathison
What a busy time it has been up in the Top End in 2012! AAB-D has performed over 75 tasks for the calendar year and
considering that it is the smallest of the AABC bands, it is an incredible feat and testament to the enduring commitment of
well-acclimatised AAB-D members.
Journal 2012
The year began with CPL Anissa Hogbin undertaking a place in
the Tasman Scheme, which is an exchange with the New Zealand
Defence Force. Anissa was located for two weeks with the Royal New
Zealand Navy (RNZN) Band based at HMNZS Philomel in Auckland
and the time spent there was of great benefit to both Anissa and the
RNZN Band.
As usual, the first engagement in 2012 for the whole band was on
Australia Day. After many years and many venues, the Darwin City
Council Australia Day event is now held in the Darwin Entertainment
Centre as it can be guaranteed that it won’t rain in there! The gun
salute and RAAF fly past scheduled for 1pm were cancelled due to
stormy weather however.
Early in the year’s calendar, but certainly the largest scale event for
the band in 2012, was the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of
the Bombing of Darwin. It isn’t all that often that both the GovernorGeneral and Prime Minister are present at an event in Darwin but
this occasion of particular national significance was attended by high
level representatives from Australia, USA and Japan. The service
was broadcast nationally on the ABC and the band, with SGT Adam
McNeill on vocals, also featured on the Sunrise program prior to the
commencement of the official commemoration.
A particularly moving occasion was the day after the Bombing
commemoration at a service at the Adelaide River War Cemetery,
which is the third largest of its type in Australia. Buried there are over
400 Australian and Commonwealth WWII soldiers who lost their lives
defending this country from the 60+ air raids across the Darwin area
during 1942-43.
March saw events to signify the respective birthdays of the Army and
RAAF and this was soon followed by ANZAC Day. The ANZAC Day
Dawn Service at the Darwin Cenotaph overlooking Darwin Harbour
was attended by a huge crowd and featured the band along with the
Darwin Chorale. Later in the morning the band marched through the
centre of Darwin in the ANZAC Day parade.
The ‘dry season’ arrived soon after ANZAC Day, with nights below 20
degrees, days not much over 30, lower humidity and five months until
the next rain. This all lends itself perfectly to functions of the outdoor
variety and AAB-D certainly had its fair share of those this year
including, amongst others, the NT Officers’ Ball at Larrakeyah,
the NT Government House Ball, the Royal Darwin Show, the
Darwin Festival and the end function for the 2012 Kuranda to
Katherine Variety Bash.
as they supported the Cancer Council. After completing 199
laps of the oval (surely it was 200?) between 6pm Friday and
10am Saturday, the band then performed a set to mark the
end of the event. A super-human effort all round!
In August, Darwin also hosted RAAF and RAN led exercises in
Exercise ‘Pitch Black’ and Exercise ‘Kakadu’ respectively and
the band was invited to perform at the official end functions
of both activities. It was fantastic to be involved in events that
carry such significance to the defence of not just Australia but
surrounding regions.
From October to December as the ‘build up’ progresses,
things get hotter and more humid in the Top End. Battling the
elements, the band performed at the ‘seasonal’ closing of
the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, various Corps end of year
events and also a graduation for the NT Police (which is close
to home given the band has two NT Police members amongst
its ranks).
The end of September saw a changeover of the Commander
of the 1st Brigade and during the same week, a farewell
parade for Force Element Task Force 12 on their deployment
to the Middle East. At the conclusion of the Brigade
Commander’s Farewell function, that ensemble trekked into
the oval at Gardens Park to join the AAB-D Relay for Life team
All in all it has been a very busy 2012 and the band continues
to represent the Army and AABC in the Top End to the highest
possible standard. •
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Newcastle
(AAB-N)
Officer Commanding/Music Director – Captain Dave Thompson
Band Sergeant Major – Warrant Officer Class Two Rod Fry
The Australian Army Band Newcastle and the Royal Australian Corps of Transport Pipes and Drums continued 2012
at the same busy pace experienced in 2011.
Journal 2012
The Military Band and the Pipes and Drums then combined again
in early March to take part the unit’s Annual Field Exercise (AFX).
Other units call this two-week period ‘Camp’ or ‘Band Camp’, but in
Newcastle the band shares a building with an infantry unit. A term like
‘Band Camp’ is often met with roars of laughter from hard men who
have more medals on their chests than there are bricks in the Great
Wall of China.
This year’s AFX was split into two phases. Phase one was spent
in Newcastle conducting various schools workshops, local
performances and some administration activities focusing on the
annual fitness and shooting tests.
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incorporating Royal Australian Corps of Transport Pipes and Drums (RACT P&D)
After commitments to the local Australia Day celebrations, the band
continued preparing for a weekend in Coffs Harbour in support of
the SGT Matthew Locke MG memorial charity football match and
fundraising weekend. With help from the Australian Army Band
Sydney, the three bands combined for the pre-game entertainment
and a concert held on the following day. The end result saw the
combined units play a major role in the raising of $12,000 for SGT
Locke’s charity and Coffs Harbour Legacy.
Phase two saw the band jump on a bus and head north to Port
Macquarie, making a detour to perform in Hawks Nest, before finally
arriving at the accommodation for the week - The Flynn’s Beach Surf
Life Saving Club.
For a very small fee the band accessed all parts of the club in
order to accommodate 35 band members and two cooks for
seven nights. Needless to say, the location alone made the exercise a
memorable one.
During the band’s seven days in Port Macquarie, they managed to
cram in ten performances which included concert band, big band and
combined community band performances, and several workshops
and shows with local schools. The days were long though satisfying
and morale was definitely helped by the fact that they knew they were
returning to their ‘clubhouse’ with sweeping views of Flynn’s beach
and dinner in the oven.
The Pipes and Drums have been gainfully engaged with a myriad of
differing tasks throughout the year. ANZAC Day saw the guys and
girls split between Newcastle, Singleton and Nelson Bay. A few weeks
later they were working alongside Defence Force Recruiting at various
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Journal 2012
careers expos. They have spent quite a bit of time with both AAB-Sydney
and the RMC Band in Canberra, and were the guests of honour at the
Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival held in June. The Pipes and Drums
have continued to expand their capabilities by developing a performance
ensemble called a Ceilidh Band (or party band), consisting of ‘small’
pipes, guitar and Bodhran.
The band is currently awaiting the change of title from the Royal Australian
Corps of Transport Pipes and Drums to the Pipes and Drums section of
the Australian Army Band Newcastle. The name change, although met
with regret by those wishing to maintain traditions, will more accurately
reflect the current and future working (and social) relationship of the units,
without change or detriment to the people and events they support.
Mid-June saw the conclusion of an event that had been 50 years and
11 days in the making - the retirement of WO2 David Walker. At the time
of Dave’s retirement he was the longest serving soldier in the Australian
Army and the ‘senior Euphonium player’ of the Corps. A part of Dave will
always remain with the band, as ‘The WO2 Dave Walker Bandroom’ is
our rehearsal area. His lyrical playing and wide vibrato will be sorely
missed by all.
In July MUSN Gavin Hodge departed our shores as the lone reserve
member of the ADF contingent to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
From all reports, Gav had a great time working alongside musicians from
all three services and his talent as a kit player really added punch to the
contingent’s performances.
September had the band combine with the Hunter Central Coast Regional
Wind Ensemble and the Port Stephens Community Choir for the annual
Port Stephens Legacy fundraising concert. This year the band raised
$4000, which went towards the vital services of Legacy within the area.
Throughout November and December the band was busily preparing
for, and performing at, the various end of year functions and Christmas
concerts held throughout the Hunter region.
Though the year has seen members come and go, the band remains
upbeat and is looking ahead to the challenges of 2013. •
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48
Tasmania
(AAB-T)
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Journal 2012
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Officer Commanding/Music Director – Captain Matt Chilmaid
Band Sergeant Major – Warrant Officer Class Two Joanne Davey
Journal 2012
This year brought many changes as the band welcomed the incoming OC, CAPT Matt Chilmaid, and BSM, WO2
Joanne Davey. With fresh ideas and new charts, the band got to work straight away to prepare for one of its most
high profile gigs in early February - the Royal Hobart Regatta. In a few short rehearsals the band worked up a
program encompassing traditional concert band, big band, fast-paced Latin, military style marches and full band
arrangements of recent pop charts. This extensive repertoire brought an exciting hour and a half entertainment to
an audience of over 6,000 people, culminating with Tchaikovsky’s ‘1812 Overture’ with canons and fireworks.
The band also performed at a number of significant events such
as the Government House Open Day and celebrations marking
the 140th birthday of Latrobe Federal Band (Australia’s oldest
continuously operating band), where that perennial showman, WO1
Rohan Stubbings, kept the rapt audience in stitches with his drumbased humour. The quieter months of winter allowed quality time to
rehearse AAB-T’s Concert Band, and perform at the bi-annual concert
at St David’s Cathedral. The first of these in May, titled ‘A Concert
of Classics’ challenged the band to perform works of Shostakovich,
Wagner and Tchaikovsky. In contrast, the second concert titled
‘Songs of the Stage’ brought some razzle-dazzle to the Church, with
hits from shows including ‘West Side Story’, ‘Sweet Charity’, ‘Les
Miserables’ and ‘Wicked’ featuring vocalists MUSNs Amelia Johnson
and Nic Courto.
The St David’s Concert series was also an opportunity for some of
the senior ranks to rehearse and conduct the band. SSGT David
Schmidt chose ‘Scenes from the Louvre’ by Norman Dello Joio, WO2
Rob Hillhouse crafted the dramatic ‘Phantom of the Opera’, and
SGT Hayden Bucktenica brought the ‘Anthem from Chess’ to the
appreciative audience. Both concerts were a fantastic opportunity for
the public to see the large diversity of styles that Army bands perform,
keeping warm from the winter weather whilst enjoying the wonderful
acoustics of the cathedral. Another enjoyable performance for the
Concert Band this year was Remembrance Day Celebrations. This
event was marked by a family day at the Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue
at Hobart Domain, where nine new trees were planted in dedication of
Fallen Tasmanian Soldiers of WWI.
The smaller ensembles of AAB-T had the opportunity to perform at
numerous events around the State. The ‘Barracks Big Band’ played
at the popular Jazz Festivals of Devonport, Launceston and Hobart,
featuring many of the band’s instrumentalists and vocalists. AAB-T’s
Rock Band, ‘Defence Mechanism’, entertained at the Mother’s Day
Classic in Hobart (raising funds for Breast Cancer Awareness),
the Wynyard Tulip Festival and the Royal Hobart Show. The
Woodwind Quintet was also kept busy supporting a number of
charity and defence functions throughout the year.
This year commemorated the 70th Anniversary of the Battle
of El Alamein in Egypt, and in October CPL Ashley Thomson
had the privilege of being selected to travel to El Alamein with
Australia’s Federation Guard to bugle at the commemoration
service.
Congratulations also to Ashley for completing the year-long
Army Group Leader distance learning course in June. Ashley’s
training culminated in conducting an arrangement of the
beautiful Albinoni ‘Adagio’ as part of the ‘Concert of Classics’
at St David’s Cathedral in May. AAB-T was fortunate to receive
another two places in the current Group Leader course and the
band looks forward to working with them when they begin the
conducting component.
Recruitment has been successful in AAB-T during 2012. The
band has enlisted bass player Oliver Plapp and flautist Lauren
Clarke, both of whom are currently studying at the University
of Tasmania Conservatorium of Music. They have thoroughly
enjoyed their time with the band this year.
The end of 2012 had a festive tone, as the band presented for
Hobart’s annual Christmas Pageant, and concluded with the
annual training camp, which included the Triabunna ‘Christmas
at the Marina’ Parade and Carols, and the St Helens Carols.
After a short summer hiatus the band will be back in business
for the ‘Taste of Tasmania’ in early January 2013, and in
February the 175th Royal Hobart Regatta – which promises to
be huge. •
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Perth
51
Journal 2012
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Officer Commanding/Music Director – Captain Steve Cottier
Band Sergeant Major – Warrant Officer Class Two Graeme Hey
Journal 2012
For new incumbents, OC, CAPT Steve Cottier and BSM, WO2 Graeme Hey, the start of 2012 proved to be a
steep, and indeed quick, learning curve into their new positions. CAPT Cottier had previously been the Training
Development Officer for the AABC at the DFSM and this was his first command of an Army Band. WO2 Hey’s
return to the West was his first posting on promotion as a Band Sergeant Major. Fortunately for both, WO2 Hey had
previously served in the AAB-P so at least he knew how to find the Defence Music Centre – WA, source a key and,
more importantly, recognise a few members of the band!
As it seems with most bands, before long they were off and running
and out and about doing what they do best … play music to
‘Promote the Image of the Army’ with the band performing at various
Open Days and Fairs in and around Perth. The month of March saw
the band travel to Kalgoorlie (some 600 kms East of Perth) in support
of the annual International Rotary Club Convention which was a great
opportunity for the Unit to bond and for the OC and BSM to really get
to know the new team.
A coach break-down about three hours out of Perth required a
replacement vehicle to be dispatched from the nearest defence base.
As a result, the band arrived at Kalgoorlie just in time for a quick
sound check and change before the show was to commence… thank
goodness for the advance party! The professionalism and attitude
displayed by the band after such a long journey was most impressive,
boding well for some exciting times in the year ahead.
Early in 2012 the members of AAP&D-P were busily preparing for their
assessments to enable them to attain a new benchmark Employment
Category Number, allowing them to progress through their careers
with newly defined qualifications. Thanks go to WO2 Andrew Pearson
and CPL Adam Cameron-Taylor for the support they gave to the Pipes
and Drums in preparing them for this qualification as well as in the
assessment phase. All members successfully gained the qualification
and now proudly wear the Australian Army Band Corps badge. While
the ensemble is currently small in numbers, they are an integral part
of the organisation and in high demand throughout the West. A very
pleasing aspect is their renewed inculcation into the AAB-P and both
bands now perform regularly as one unit, to much ovation.
Congratulations also go to the Pipe Major SGT Verne Jones, who has
had the opportunity to represent the ADF on two occasions overseas
this year. His stories can be found in the AAP&D-P article in this
Journal.
ANZAC Day is considered by many to be the most significant
day of the year on the Australian calendar. It was made even
more significant this year for the AAB-P when it dedicated
the Music Library to one of its own, MUSN Jennifer Hilson,
who sadly passed away last year after a long battle with
cancer. Jenny’s parents and niece were in attendance for the
dedication and there was not a dry eye in the room when CPL
Alex Marshall gave a most wonderful reflection of a young
lady who meant so much to the band as a colleague and a
dear friend. A plaque is now displayed at the entrance to the
library with the words “Jenny Hilson Library” and a montage of
photos depicting the character of Jenny is displayed on a wall
in the auditorium. Memories of Jenny will always remain in the
hearts of the musicians of the AAB-P.
The Band continues its excellent working relationship with
the SAS Regiment and the SAS Trust Fund providing musical
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Australian Army
Pipes and Drums
Perth (AAP&D-P)
53
The AABC Corps Birthday was once again celebrated with our retired
AABC brethren and families at the Defence Music Centre. A wonderful
afternoon was had through catching up with everyone and it was
remarked that folk like MAJ Ian Milne (retd) haven’t changed a bit!
The gathering also gave CAPT Cottier the opportunity to speak to the
large gathering about the future direction of the Corps, which was
well received. A big thanks must go to former WO2 Bill Honter and his
committee for once again organising a great day.
The major highlight of the year was the concert in August at the
Perth Concert Hall with Australian Jazz Legend James Morrison.
Sponsored by the Army Museum of Western Australia Foundation
this highly entertaining show proved to be very challenging for all
involved and featured our Concert Band, Big Band, the Pipes and
Drums, our vocalists CPL Mark Underwood and MUSN’s Danae
Perkins, Shannon Marshall and Gareth Hearne, and also the Dynamic
Performing Arts Dancers. The musicianship and professionalism
portrayed on the night was outstanding and James was extremely
impressed with the standard of our Army Reserve Musicians. Special
thanks go to the Director of Music – Navy (LCDR Paul Cottier) and
the Bandmaster of the Western Australian Detachment of the Royal
Australian Navy Band (CPOMUSN Gabe Kicsak) for allowing four
members of the Navy Band’s WA Detachment to perform with us on
the night.
In last year’s AABC Journal MUSN Robin Palmer was acknowledged
for his concept and lead role in Exercise GASCOYNE ASSIST where members of the band along with Navy personnel travelled to
Mooloo Downs station, 1000km north-east of Perth, to assist the
station recover from the devastating damaged caused by flooding in
December 2012. As a result of his endeavours MUSN Palmer was
awarded a Deputy Chief of Army Silver Commendation for his efforts.
A copy of the citation is in the Honours and Awards section of this
journal.
In conclusion, a great thankyou goes to the members of the Australian
Army Band - Perth and the Australian Army Pipes and Drums – Perth
for the enthusiasm and support they have given the OC and BSM this
year and, of course, also to their families who are prepared to sacrifice
family time which enables the bands to support Army tasking and
‘Promote the Image of the Army’ in Western Australia. •
2012 has proven to be a rewarding and interesting year for AAP&D-P. The new boss, CAPT Steve Cottier, was
welcomed to WA as well as BSM, WO2 Graeme Hey, back for his second stint.
In the training arena all members were trained for, and tested against,
a new Army Band competency system with a 100% success rate.
Importantly also a new recruit on the bagpipes, David Murdoch was
welcomed to the band.
Journal 2012
support at a number of their functions throughout the year, and this
support is very much appreciated. Sadly there is a down side to
this support however as the Bands have been required to provide
ceremonial support at Ramp Ceremonies and subsequent Funerals.
CAPT Cottier would like to thank the civilian employers of the band
members’ for the support they give Army in releasing personnel from
work, often at short notice, to support these deeply sad and moving
occasions.
Journal 2012
Pipe Major – Sergeant Verne Jones
A very encouraging recent development has been the involvement
of AAP&D-P with the Australian Army Cadet Pipes and Drums.
The members of AAP&D-P have delivered their expertise in the
ongoing improvement of the Cadets and the two bands have
combined in several Cadet and Army events to help deliver optimum
performances. Engagements have included Cadet march-out parades
and dining-in nights, and the Cameron Supper where the Cadet
Highland Dancers added to the entertainment. This co-operative
approach will continue into the future and, in time, the ranks of
AAP&D-P may very well swell with suitable recruits.
On the performance side of things the band continued to meet the
needs of the local units especially in regard to dining-in nights and
memorial services. A great thrill was performing alongside James
Morrison in the Perth Concert Hall and, of course, Anzac Day on a
perfect sunny day, marching the troops down St Georges Terrace.
This year the unit was represented internationally with Pipe Major SGT
Vern jones playing at the Anzac Day services in France, beginning
at Villers-Bretonneux for the Dawn Service, through services in
Bullecourt and on to Belgium for a spectacular evening service
at Menin Gate. SGT Jones said “The opportunity to see the very
battlefields, cemeteries and trenches of the First World War along with
detailed historical accounts was a very sobering experience and one
that I will remember for the rest of my life.” SGT Jones would like to
acknowledge the truly remarkable job of the Department of Veteran
Affairs and Australia’s Federation Guard for the organisation and
camaraderie of this great event.
SGT Jones was also very fortunate to represent the nation at another
important event - the 70th Anniversary memorial of the Battle of
Kokoda. This took him, along with around 60 other soldiers, RSL
veterans and civilians, along the Kokoda Trail in memory of those
brave soldiers who fought all those years ago. “The trek is demanding
enough today, let alone without the hazards of war and disease
that the soldiers endured during World War II. It really added to my
appreciation and admiration of our Australian Diggers” he reported.
“I was very proud to have been part of the service at Isurava to mark
the occasion.” •
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Journal 2012
Defence Force
School of Music (DFSM)
Commanding Officer – Lieutenant Colonel Andrea Davey
Officer Commanding – Major Craig Johnson
2012 has been an eventful, significant and challenging year in the history of the Band Corps, and everyone at DFSM
is glad to have been able to contribute to the ongoing training and professional development of its personnel. The
year heralded in a number of changes at DFSM, with new appointments filling the senior positions of CO and OC.
LTCOL McMahon’s experience as a commander and trainer has ensured that the DFSM has continued to fulfil its
role as a Training Establishment of excellence within Forces Command and MAJ Craig Johnson arrived having just
become the first AABC officer to complete the Command and Staff College course.
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Journal 2012
New members were posted into the Training Wing from across the
AABC and RAN. The learning curves were very steep, but they were
ably supported by the guidance and advice provided along the way
by existing staff.
Senior Instructor, LEUT Andrew Stokes RAN, brought a wealth of
knowledge and experience to his role. Andrew came to DFSM from
his previous appointment as Assistant Director of Music – Navy and
his first few months were made doubly interesting by the happy arrival
of twins Jessica and Mackenzie to the family.
SGT Matt O’Keeffe joined the DFSM from RMC Band, bringing
with him an unparalleled background of domestic and international
professional performance practice. His experience and musical
standing has been a shining example for students and staff alike.
MAJ Peter Grant continued in Reserve Training - managing all matters
in the Reserve space, and leading the Distance Learning Team. His
diligent and exceptional leadership produced outstanding results with
his team.
Supervisors WO2 Hemi Anning and WO2 Andrew Pearson continued
strongly throughout the year in their respective roles and the advice
and support provided by Warrant Officers of their stature and
professionalism is always appreciated. Instructors POMUSN Kara
Williams, SGTs Mal Fawcett, Ben Fixter, Stu Gunn and Greg Peterson
taught on all promotion courses as well as ensuring our Initial
Employment Training students were thoroughly ready for posting out
to their first units.
Away from the DFSM, Training Wing staff also participated at the
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Army Aboriginal Community
Assistance Program and with the Malaysian Army Music Training
Centre. Significantly, SGT Greg Peterson’s composition “Cloak and
Dagger” was endorsed as the official march of the Australian Army’s
Forces Command.
Sadly, IET Supervisor SGT Wally Pope separated from the Army midway though the year in order to continue his university studies and
pursue a teaching career outside the Service. Wally was a caring and
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thoughtful soldier and leader whose professional and compassionate
approach was greatly appreciated by students and staff.
Journal 2012
57
In 2012 DFSM conducted two 5-week Section Leader Courses, a
10-week Group Leader Course, an 8-week Assistant Band Leader
Course, and a 2-week Drum Major Course. The current Band Officer
Course began in January and is due for completion in June 2013.
The quality of students on all courses was excellent, as was the
dedication and effort displayed. Course members undertook their
studies in a thoughtful and disciplined manner. Congratulations are
extended to all successful students on a job well done.
Civilian professors also made an outstanding contribution to
training. Dr Barry Bignell - conducting, LTCOL Peter Jackson (retd) composition, LTCOL Howard Ward (retd) - harmony,
MAJ Graham Lloyd (retd) - harmony and arranging,
Ms Helen Jowsey - piano, Mr Ian Godfrey - aural, Mr Tomasz Spiewak
- aural, and Mr Tom Martin - Big Band have provided a level of training
that would be the envy of conservatoriums anywhere in the world.
Journal 2012
This year, in addition to training and assessing both residential and
Distance Learning courses, DFSM staff have also been analysing the
changes coming with the future structure of the AABC. All courses
from Initial Employment Training to Band Officer are receiving the most
thorough consideration and DFSM is committed to developing the
best and most effective training courses and assessments that will
support the new band structure. The expert and ongoing assistance
received from the staff at the Defence Command Support Training
Centre has again been appreciated this year.
2012 has seen the DFSM and its Training Wing continue to provide
the highest quality instruction to students from the three Service
bands. Music training in the ADF has a long and distinguished history,
and staff will always continue to strive to provide the best possible
musical and military instruction, in the tradition of those who have
gone before. •
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Australian
Army Band Corps
Association
Journal 2012
The AABC Association held its annual reunion in Melbourne in 2012 commencing on Friday 19 October through to
Sunday 21 October. As is the practice each year the Association’s Golf Trophy was fought out on Friday morning – this
year at the Bundoora Golf Course. It was combined with an new innovation added to the reunion events - barefoot
Lawn Bowls played at the Greensborough Bowling Club. The golf field was not as large as in the previous years, but the
course at Bundoora made up for that, especially being well laid out, level and a challenging course to play. The scores
were varied, but a great time was had by all. Unfortunately the course didn’t have a 19th Hole so the players ventured
elsewhere for sustenance after the morning’s golf. I’m told that those who participated in the barefoot bowls had a
relaxing time and enjoyed the alternative to golf.
That evening some one hundred plus members and partners gathered
at the Greensborough RSL for our ‘meet and greet’ segment of the
weekend. This function was the start of a great weekend, renewing
friendships, catching up with those you’d not seen since last year’s
reunion, or in some cases not seen for many years, meeting your
fellow classmates from the Apprentice School or those who did their
initial music training at the Defence Force School of Music (DFSM)
from the early eighties. Quite a varied group of people of all ages, but
a group of men and women who had one thing in common … military
music and a good time!
Saturday morning was an early start with the Association’s Annual
General Meeting held at the DFSM where a range of agenda was
discussed. This included the election of office bearers and the
Director of Music- Army’s report, for which Lieutenant Colonel Lambie
provided a state of the Corps and an overview of what the AABC had
been doing over the past 12 months. The report included the various
AABC support provided to units deployed overseas with the provision
of buglers and pipers for the repatriation of soldiers as well as support
to ANZAC Day ceremonies being conducted around the world. He
said the major international engagement for 2012 was a 54 piece
Tri-service Band’s’ participation in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo,
which was a resounding success. Lieutenant Colonel Lambie said
our bands have always been, and continue to be relevant to service
life, brought into stark reality only too recently with the repatriation
of further Aussie Diggers killed in action, the bands’ continued role
in these cases being to ensure those gallant souls are afforded the
appropriate home coming.
During the meeting the President Mr Patrick Steer announced the
2012 recipient of the newly named ‘AABC Association’s Award’ which
was presented to Sergeant Kirsty Bird of RMC Band. The award
consists of a bronze Minstrel Boy statuette and a citation.
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Journal 2012
The President also announced that two members of the
association that had provided outstanding dedication and
service to the association over a number of years had been
awarded individual AABC Association Appreciation Awards:
Stuart Colhoun, the association’s Website Manager and John
Franklin, curator for history and memorabilia.
The Dinner in the RSL auditorium was a resounding success
with well over 130 members and guests in attendance. The
meal and service by the staff was excellent and everyone
thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment provided by members of
AAB-M with a cabaret group performing and later a small jazz
ensemble playing ‘til evening’s end.
A five year plan for the association’s future reunions was
announced with the plan to meet in Hobart in October 2013,
Sydney 2014, Adelaide 2015, Perth 2016 and Brisbane in
2017. Each year this plan is to be updated.
On Sunday morning we all met again at the DFSM auditorium
for morning tea and coffee and those with instruments, a
mouthpiece and a reasonable embouchure participated in the
traditional ‘Googenheimer’. Playing a repertoire of marches,
overtures and light concert tunes, they entertained the
partners and those members who just wanted to listen.
Association Membership for serving members of the Corps
was discussed and it was re-iterated that all serving members
of the Corps were automatic members already, however
if members wished to vote at the AGM, receive a copy of
the Association Newsletter and have access to the website
(locked section), they would be required to join officially, but
their joining fee would be waived.
The meeting closed and the members then gathered at the
Association’s Memorial, adjacent to DFSM Headquarters, for
a Service and Wreath Laying ceremony. AAB-M, under the
direction of Major Glenn Rogers, played for the ceremony with
the address made by DMusic-A, Lieutenant Colonel Lambie.
The laying of wreaths was by the President, Mr Patrick
Steer, Lieutenant Colonel Lambie and the Commanding
Officer DFSM, Lieutenant Colonel Andrea McMahon. This
was the first time since the Memorial’s Commemoration
that the association had attended a ceremony there and
it was significant with the memorial being situated at the
DFSM certainly making the ceremony more significant by the
member’s actually ‘being there’.
Lunch followed under the trees at Meare’s House and the
members and their partners returned to their accommodation
and prepared for the Association Dinner being held at the
Greensborough RSL.
Following a light lunch up at Meare’s House the 2012 Reunion
in Melbourne gradually drew to a close.
The Melbourne Reunion was a resounding success and by all
reports those who attended thoroughly enjoyed the weekend’s
activities. All are looking forward to October 2013 to make the
journey down to Hobart for what promises to be another great
and memorable weekend. •
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Journal 2012
RETIREMENTS, TRANSFERS AND DISCHARGES
<
MAJOR GEOFF GREY CSM
Geoff served for 31 years in the Australian Regular
Army, including Commanding the Band of the Royal
Military College – Duntroon, the Australian Army
Band Sydney, the Australian Army Band Perth, the
Australian Army Band Newcastle, the Australian
Army Pipes and Drums Perth and the Royal
Australian Corps of Transport Pipes and Drums.
>
LIEUTENANT COLONEL IAN McLEAN AM, CSC
Journal 2012
Ian first retired from the Australian Regular Army in 2001 after a career
spanning 34 years, culminating with his appointment as the Officer
Commanding/Music Director of the Band of the Royal Military College
– Duntroon. He took up the position of General Manager, later Chief
Executive Officer, of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra; a role he held for
six of his eight years away from Army. During that period he was awarded
the AM in the General Division of the Australian Honours List for his
services to music.
Responding to a request from Army to return and take up the position of
Director of Music, Ian was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and assumed
that role in January 2009. During his three-year tenure he led the review
for the restructure of Army Bands and worked diligently to secure a
presence for the Australian Army Band Corps on the international stage.
In January 2012 ‘Mac’ transferred to an Army Reserve position as the
Media Liaison Officer for the Royal Military College of Australia.
Geoff transferred to an Army Reserve position at
the Directorate of Music, employed as a part-time
projects officer and, with his partner Sarah, has
established ‘Greysen Music’ - a Conducting and
Management business on 25 acres of bush 40
minutes North of Canberra.
CAPTAIN ROD MASON OAM
Rod served for 34 years in the Australian Regular Army, with his last position as Second in Command/
Deputy Music Director of the Australian Army Band Sydney. Significantly, amongst many major projects
undertaken, Rod’s record producing received an ARIA Gold Record for the album “Salute to the Aussie
Digger”, with over 35,000 CDs distributed.
Rod has transferred to an Army Reserve position and is teaching music in Sydney schools.
Warrant Officer Class One Ian Thomson
Ian is a member of the infamous 27th Class of Army Apprentices, amongst musician ranks including the
likes of LTCOL Patrick Pickett, MAJ Graham Lloyd, MAJ Steve Hladio and WO1 Dave Farrell.
Ian retires following a career spanning 40 years, which included senior postings in Band Sergeant Major
roles, Soldier Career Management and culminated with his appointment to the position of Regimental
Sergeant Major of the Australian Army Band Corps.
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WARRANT OFFICER CLASS ONE STEVE BULL
SERGEANT GARY LINTON
Steve discharged in mid 2012 after 38 years of service to the
Australian Regular Army. His last position was as Band Sergeant
Major of the Australian Army Band Sydney. His latter career included
other Band Sergeant Major roles and Bandmaster of the Royal
Australian Artillery Band in Brisbane.
Following 20 years of service to the Australian Regular Army Gary
elected to transfer to the Army Reserve and remain as a member of
the Band of the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Townsville.
Steve will be dividing his retirement time between Australia and
Bulgaria, his wife’s native country.
Gary has moved to Mackay and, when not parading with the band,
works in his father’s business.
SERGEANT ROD SANDERCOCK
After a lengthy stint in Melbourne during his second incarnation as
a Regular Army Soldier, Rod has transferred to the Army Reserve
(again!) and rejoins his beloved Australian Army Band – Adelaide.
WARRANT OFFICER CLASS TWO PHILIP YOUNG
Phil (PJ) discharged from the Army after 31 years service – the first 23
in the Australian Regular Army and the past eight as a Reservist with
the Australian Army Band – Tasmania.
Journal 2012
After surviving Apprentice training at Balcombe, PJ served in
Townsville (three times), Sydney and Melbourne and he and Lynda are
remaining in Hobart, Tasmania for the next phase of his life.
WARRANT OFFICER CLASS TWO DAVE WALKER
Dave Walker retired on the 11th of June 2012 after 50 years in
uniform for the Army Reserve. To honour this extraordinary period of
service the Australian Army Band – Newcastle named its facilities the
‘Warrant Officer Class Two Dave Walker Bandroom’.
Dave and his wife Dorothy remain in Newcastle and are still regular
attendees to many AAB-N performances.
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Journal 2012
HONOURS AND AWARDS
CORPORAL JAMES DUQUEMIN
Army Gold Commendation
CORPORAL STEPHANIE KNIGHT
CITATION
After a career taking her to most of the Army Bands on the Eastern
seaboard, Steph has called it a day for Army music - and Army
service - and has moved back to Brisbane. Steph’s influence went
well beyond bandrooms, with long distance running in the Australian
Defence Force her domain for many years.
I commend you for your superior performance as the Sound and Lighting
Technician for the Band of the Royal Military College.
MUSICIAN LACHLAN EVANS
After a posting in the Australian Army Band – Kapooka, Lachy has
elected to transfer to the Army Reserve and move to Victoria, taking
up a part-time role with the Australian Army Band – Melbourne.
MUSICIAN ANDY ROSS
The delights of country Victoria have been beckoning, and Andy has
called time on a career that included both Regular Army and Reserve
service in Perth and Melbourne.
Corporal Doug Hall
Doug, having previously transferred for a stint in the reserves in
Brisbane, has returned to the full-time fold, and the RMC Band,
to dazzle crowds with his multi-talents on Saxophone, Guitar and
Keyboard. Another factor may have been moving back to Canberra to
be with his partner, now fiancée, MUSN Lorelei Williamson.
Your contribution has enabled the Band of the Royal Military College to
present concerts and marching displays of the highest quality throughout
your posting and at the high profile activities ‘Leadership on Fire’ Concert,
as part of the Royal Military College’s Centenary, and the Pacific Armies
Management Seminar in July 2012. The Band’s achievements were a
direct reflection of your superior technical skills and dedication to duty.
You displayed exceptional initiative in the design, coordination and
execution of lighting, sound, and visual production for each of those
activities as you continue to do for lower profile activities with the Band.
Your professionalism, devotion and willingness to take on additional
responsibility significantly enhances Band capability and inspires those
who serve with you. Your initiative and judgement is of the highest
order and provides well considered advice to the Band hierarchy in
every concert situation. Your role as the technician requires much
work behind the scenes and outside core working hours often without
acknowledgment. This has not affected your performance in any way and
the dedication and humility in which you continue to excel in these duties
is an example to all.
Your achievements are of the highest order and in keeping with the finest
traditions of the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.
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Musician Robin Palmer
Australian Army Band Perth
Army Silver Commendation
Citation
I commend you for your exemplary work in the conception and organisation of Exercise Gascoyne Assist
during which a combined team from the Australian Army Band Perth and Joint Logistics Unit West
conducted flood relief activities in the Gascoyne and Carnarvon regions. This exercise included both
physical flood recovery work, concerts to lift the morale of the local population and culminated in a Flood
Relief Ball in Carnarvon.
MUSICIAN GAVIN HODGE
MUSICIAN ANDREW BALL
Australian Army Band - Newcastle
Australian Army Band - Melbourne
Soldiers Medallion for exemplary service
CITATION
Musician Gavin Hodge is awarded the Soldiers Medallion for
exemplary service to the Australian Army Band Newcastle and
the Australian Army Band Corps. Musician Hodge consistently
displays a level of trade related proficiency and skill that far exceeds
expectations of his rank and experience within the Australian Defence
Force. His skill, enthusiasm and drive are significant contributors
toward unit capability and his level of professionalism is admired by
both his peers and superiors.
The work that you voluntarily undertook assisted the Gascoyne community in recovering from a natural
disaster and has created a great deal of goodwill for the Australian Army in that region. Your concept
has taken the Australian Army Band Corps’ role of “enhancing Army’s public image through community
engagement” to a new level, a level which you successfully planned and executed.
Your efforts in organising Exercise Gascoyne Assist have far exceeded that normally required of a soldier
of your rank and have significantly enhanced the reputation of the Australian Army in the Gascoyne and
Carnarvon regions. This activity is a recent demonstration of service ethos, initiative and commitment
that you have displayed throughout your career. These attributes have earned you the respect of your
superiors and your peers.
CORPORAL ADAM CAMERON-TAYLOR
Your achievements are of the highest order and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian
Army and of the Australian Defence force.
CITATION
Musician Andrew Ball is awarded the Soldiers Medallion for exemplary
service to the Australian Army Band Melbourne and the Australian
Army Band Corps. Musician Ball is a conscientious and dedicated
Soldier/Musician who, as a result of his hours of effort and positive
attitude, has greatly assisted the Unit to maintain effective Q Store
operations during a period where qualified personnel were absent.
His contribution in all ensembles is highly valued, as is his enthusiasm
to willingly perform in varying roles. Musician Ball’s professionalism,
commitment and ability to enhance the Unit’s esprit de corps has
earned him high regard from his superiors and the respect of his
peers.
Australian Army Band – Sydney
CITATION
MUSICIAN ROUSLAN BABJANOV
CITATION
Musician Rouslan Babajanov, Australian Army Band Corps, is awarded the Soldiers Medallion for
exemplary service to the Band of the Royal Military College. Musician Babajanov is a most conscientious
soldier whose enthusiasm is reflected in the execution of all his duties. His advanced instrumental skills
and musicianship inspire all who perform with him. Musician Babajanov’s dedication and performance
in other aspects of his duties, particularly as a sound technician, have also been of the highest calibre.
His contribution over many years has enhanced overall band capability and been well above that of his
worn rank. Musician Babajanov’s professionalism and commitment has earned him high regard from his
superiors and the respect of his peers.
Journal 2012
Journal 2012
Corporal Adam Cameron-Taylor is awarded the Soldiers Medallion
for exemplary service to the Australian Army Band Sydney and the
Australian Army Band Corps. Corporal Cameron-Taylor consistently
displays a level of trade related proficiency and leadership far
exceeding expectations of his rank. His drive and enthusiasm towards
the advancement of Army Pipers and Drummers is a significant
contributor to the sustainment of the niche capability within the
Australian Army. Corporal Cameron-Taylor’s dedicated application and
determination has earned him high regard from his superiors and the
respect of his peers.
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During your posting at the Royal Military College Band you have
achieved excellent results as the Group Leader, Librarian and in all
other aspects of your duty statement. The way you ‘lead by example’
and your positive demeanour enhance the morale of those who
serve with you, directly contributing to an increase in productivity. An
aspect of your duty statement where you have significantly enhanced
operational effectiveness is the progress and completion of ‘Distance
Learning’ for part-time members of the band.
SERGEANT KIRSTY BIRD
Australian Army Band Corps Association Award
Journal 2012
CITATION
Sergeant Kirsty Jenelle Bird - In recognition of your significant
contribution to the Australian Army Band Corps over many years, and
most recently as a Sergeant posted to the Band of the Royal Military
College, Duntroon.
Throughout your career you have displayed the highest levels of
professionalism and service ethos and have done so in a manner that
has significantly enhanced the morale and ‘espirit de corps’ of those
who have served with you.
Prior to your arrival to the unit Distance Learning progress was
limited and it was likely that several members would not complete the
training within the course timeline. In early 2012 it was decided that
Distance Learning training and management was to be addressed
and due to your recent cadre experience in a Regional Reserve Band
it was included in your duty statement. Immediately you reviewed
all distance training, addressed the shortfalls and produced and
implemented a plan. Since then all participants have completed
the training successfully and parade regularly as qualified and
effective members of their units. The qualified part-time personnel
have increased their capability and efficiency, the increase a direct
testament to your dedication and professionalism.
Your willingness and success with regard to the Distance Learning
are a reflection of your commitment and service ethos in all aspects
of your performance. Your professionalism is an example for all who
serve with you and in the finest traditions of past and present soldier/
musicians of the Australian Army Band Corps.
Australian Active Service Medal
(International Coalition Against
Terror clasp)
CPL Adam Cameron-Taylor
Returned from Active Service badge
CPL Adam Cameron-Taylor
3rd Federation Star for 50 years service
WO2 Dave Walker
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Journal 2012
3rd Clasp to the Defence Long Service Medal
(DLSM) for 30 years service
SGT Paul Crouch
2ND CLASP TO THE DEFENCE LONG SERVICE MEDAL
(DLSM) FOR 25 YEARS SERVICE
WO1 Vaughan Grant
1st Clasp to the Defence Long Service Medal
(DLSM) for 20 years service
SGT Mick Beeton
SGT David Miles
CPL Wanita McNeill
MUSN Keith Scott
Defence Long Service Medal (DLSM)
for 15 years service
CPL Andrew Barnett
CPL Sharon Cooper
CPL Luke Glasson
CPL Anissa Hogbin
CPL Vince King
CPL Matthew Sutton
MUSN Richard Mason
MUSN Wayne McMahon
Australian Defence Medal
LCPL Ilona Martin
MUSN Matthew White
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PROMOTIONS
CAPT Dave Bird to MAJ
WO2 Paul Davies to WO1
SGT Rachel Beeton to CAPT
SGT Mick Beeton to WO2
SGT Graeme Hey to WO2
COMMON ABBREVIATIONS IN THIS JOURNAL
LCPL Luke Glasson to CPL
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
LCPL Paul Hadley to CPL
Editor
LCPL Josephine Smith to CPL
MAJ Geoff Grey CSM,
Directorate of Music-Army
LCPL Bernard Winetroube to CPL
MUSN Michael Bermingham to LCPL
MUSN Ben Bonney to LCPL
Graphic Designer
Jason Johnson, Defence Publishing Service
MUSN Carl Brumfield to LCPL
© Commonwealth of Australia 2013
CPL Mark Jones to SGT
MUSN Elspeth McGregor to LCPL
CPL Gary Linton to SGT
MUSN Nick Salter to LCPL
This work is copyright. Apart from any use
as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968,
no part may be reproduced by any process
without prior written permission from the
Department of Defence.
Australian Defence Force
CO Commanding Officer
AABC Australian Army Band Corps
OC Officer Commanding
DFSM Defence Force School of Music
MD Music Director
RAN Royal Australian Navy
BSM Band Sergeant Major
RAAF Royal Australian Air Force
RSL Returned and Services
League of Australia
BRIG Brigadier
LTCOL Lieutenant Colonel
(retd) Indicates a retired officer
MAJ Major
LCDR Lieutenant Commander (RAN)
AAB-A Australian Army Band Adelaide
CAPT Captain
AAB-B Australian Army Band Brisbane
WO1 Warrant Officer Class One
AAB-D Australian Army Band Darwin
WO2 Warrant Officer Class Two
AAB-K Australian Army Band Kapooka
CPOMUSN Chief Petty Officer Musician (RAN)
AAB-M Australian Army Band Melbourne
SSGT Staff Sergeant
AAB-N Australian Army Band Newcastle
SGT Sergeant
AAB-P Australian Army Band Perth
PO Petty Officer Musician (RAN)
Journal 2012
ADF AAB-S Australian Army Band Sydney
CPL Corporal
AAB-T Australian Army Band Tasmania
LCPL Lance Corporal
MUSN Musician (Equivalent to Private)
CPL Danny Beeton to SGT
69
Journal 2012
AAP&D-P MUSN David Saunders to LCPL
Enquires regarding content and images
should be directed to the Directorate of
Music – Army on (02) 6265 3145
DPSJAN001/13
1 RAR Band Band of the 1st Battalion,
the Royal Australian Regiment
Australian Army Pipes and
Drums Perth
RACT P&D Royal Australian Corps of
Transport Pipes and Drums
SAS Special Air Service
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2012 - Australian Army

Transcription

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