Banding together to get a tattoo

Sergeant Rod Ellem and Leading Aircraftwoman Sandra Brown with a member of the Queen’s Band of the Life Guards.

By LAC Tim Oram

YARROWS Stadium in New Plymouth, New Zealand, is usually a host stadium for the Rugby Super 12 competition, but it was recently the site of a very different type of spectacle – the 2004 Taranaki Searchlight Tattoo.

Representing the ADF at this prestigious event was the RAAF’s Air Command Band commanded by Flight Lieutenant John Buckley. The band entertained the huge crowd with an exciting and innovative marching display masterminded by Corporal James Brice, who spent a weekend mapping out dance movements and marching grids for the band to perform.

FLTLT Buckley had a great idea of using some of the band’s jazz soloists, Aircraftman Jason Morphett, Leading Aircraftman Tim Oram and Sergeant Peter Gow, to perform out front of the band. SGT Gow’s high note trumpet playing on El Boro not only knocked out the audience but had all the other guest bands’ trumpet players asking him for advice after the gig.

The tattoo was also a chance for the many bands from around the world to get together over a pint and swap “notes” on their job. The most notable being the Band of the Life Guards, the Queen’s own band that normally performs on horseback. Their uniform with silver and gold helmets and riding spurs on their boots was something to behold.

The Royal Corps of Musicians, Tongan Defence Force was a favourite, using traditional drums and dance as part of their performance.

After the Air Command Band marched off to Waltzing Matilda, one band member said, “I just got goosebumps, I’m proud to be an Aussie”.

The Acting Defence Attache to New Zealand, Squadron Leader “Smokey” Dawson, said, “In performing at the Taranaki Tattoo, the Air Command Band promoted and enhanced the image of the RAAF and the ADF through its quality music and performance. The goodwill generated was evident from the comments received from organisers, government officials and citizens expressing admiration and support for the effort shown by the ADF in sending the band. The airmen and women of the Air Command Band are to be congratulated on their performance both on and off the arena.”

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