A near capacity audience revelled in two hours of fantastic music from the RAN's combined band at the Sydney Town Hall last week.

The planned 90-minute program was extended when the audience called for encores from the 73 RAN musicians and their musical director, CMDR Ashley Greedy.

The concert, staged on October 4, was dubbed Sounds of the Sea.

It brought together for the first since since 1986, the full-time naval bands attached to HMAS Cerberus and HMAS Kuttabul.

The appearance also provided the first opportunity for the musicians to wear their new 'after five' uniforms.

It was also tinged with sadness in that the concert was the last for CMDR Greedy before he retires from the RAN in December.

Outstanding solo vocal performances came from SMN Tracy Burke and LS Sarah Macdonald.

CMDR Greedy took his musicians through a wide variety of numbers ranging from The Alert March to Guys and Dolls to Eternal Father with a highlight being I Am Australian.

Guests of honour were the Maritime Commander, RADM Geoff Smith and Mrs Smith.

The bands fall under RADM Smith's command.

Also present were several retired admirals, the head of the RSL in NSW Mr Rusty Priest and contingents from the PLA/Navy and the Indian Navy.

By Graham Davis