Army bands perform a variety of music styles in a range of ensembles including symphonic, jazz, rock and marching bands, quintets, and vocal groups. Army Bands are active members of the local community supporting community events, educational programs and charity organisations. Army Bands are often in the public arena and are a key component of the Army's public relations program. They also take on the Army's share of military musical support to national and state ceremonial occasions such as visits by foreign heads of state and other public events. Army Bands support Army and Australian Defence Force ceremonial occasions as well as upholding their operational role to entertain deployed troops. In the Australian Army Band Corps (AABC) there are opportunities in six full-time and five part-time bands.

Did you know?

The regimental sergeant-major (RSM) is the senior soldier within an organisation (ie. a regiment, battalion, brigade, division or command) and he works to and advises the commanding officer, or commander. He is responsible for discipline, dress and all ceremonial aspects of life within that organisation. In the field he is also responsible for the re-supply of ammunition. The RSM is the custodian of the unit's customs and traditions.

The title sergeant-major was originally the rank of today's major and denoted the staff officer of a regiment. The title fell into disuse towards the end of the 17th century when the word 'sergeant' was deleted but in 1797 it was decided to post the senior soldier of units to the headquarters and thus the appointment of sergeant-major was officially incorporated into the establishment of the British Army.

Over the years the title was further defined by the addition of the word 'regimental'. In the early 1800s the sergeant-major wore four chevrons and by the 1840s the crown was added to the top of the chevrons. In 1881 sergeant-majors were given warrant rank and the badge of rank was a crown which was worn on the cuff. In 1917 the rank of warrant officer class one was established with the Royal Coat of Arms designated as the badge of rank. The crown was reallocated to warrant officers class two. In the Australian Army the badge for warrant officers class one was replaced by the Australian Coat of Arms in 1976.

The position of RSM is an appointment, not a rank; however, all RSMs are warrant officers class one. The position for wearing the badges of rank of warrant officers changed from the lower forearm to the mid-upper arm at the end of 1996. It should also be noted that the correct terminology is 'warrant officer class 1' or '2', not 1st or 2nd class, and warrant officers are not NCOs, they are officers who hold a warrant.

A soldier who performs as a professional musician in a military band. Music is an important part of military life, with service bands having a strong tradition of performing at ceremonies, parades, concerts and festivals. They perform many types of music including marches, classics, jazz and popular music, in situations as varied as concert halls, parade grounds and overseas deployments.

Entry Requirement

Enlistment or transfer to the AABC requires a candidate to successfully pass an audition with a Trade Testing Officer. A typical audition includes:

• Prepared works (three contrasting pieces);
• Technical work;
• Sight-reading (AABC musicians must be able to sight read);
• Theory (general rudiments, harmony, musicianship and general questionnaire; and
• Aural  (includes interval recognition, chord progression recognition, melodic and rhythmic dictation).

There are minimum standards set for entry into the AABC, starting at approximately AMEB Grade 7. For further information on audition requirements or life in the AABC, please visit the 'Musicians Wanted' section of the Defence Force School of Music's website. Alternatively, you should make contact with your local AABC unit to discuss your interest.

For detailed information about becoming a Musician with-in The Australian Army. You can go to either the following Defence Force School of Music website (DRN Only) links below or to Defencejobs website.

Musicians Wanted (Defweb)

About the gig (FAQ) (Defweb)

How do I apply? (Defweb)

Benefits Package (Defweb)

AABC Contacts (Defweb)

Further Information

Australian Army Band Corps

Defence Force School of Music