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Vicki’s
sole member of this band
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Musical
first ... SGT Vicki Hallett
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Vicki
Hallett became the first woman SNCO in the history of the musician
mustering when she was promoted to Sergeant less than a month after
RAAF Central Band celebrated its 50th anniversary.
SGT Hallett joined the band on June 2, 1992, aged 22. She had heard
the band perform while at school and considered applying, but decided
to go to university first.
She received a degree from the Victorian College of the Arts and
followed this with a postgraduate degree at the University of Melbourne.
SGT Hallett then went on to instrumental music teaching in Bendigo,
instructing up to 80 students and it was at this time she successfully
auditioned for a position in the band.
“I thought I would only stay for three years to gain some experience,”
she said.
Ten years later she is still with the band.
As well as being a valued member of the clarinet section, SGT Hallett
is involved with public relations for the Catalina Woodwind Quintet,
of which she is a member.
“I’ve had a great time and it doesn’t feel like I’ve
been here for 10 years,” she said.
She believes that the best thing about the band and the reason she
has stayed for so long is the diversity the job offers.
Each day can see her either rehearsing or performing concert works,
out on parade in a variety of locations or organising and rehearsing
for coming woodwind quintet concerts.
“I would definitely encourage other young women to join a band
in the Air Force,” she said.
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