Young musicians from Darwin and surrounding areas have joined in jazz ensemble workshops and performances with members of the Royal Australian Navy Band – Northern Territory.

The workshops were part of the Legato Orchestral Experience facilitated by the Centre for Youth and Community Music. The theme for this year was 'Orchestral Odysseys: Musical Journeys'.

The event offered students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of a range of styles of music.  

Students from 17 Darwin and regional NT schools participated in the three days of electives and rehearsals, which culminated in a concert where students and band members performed together as part of a symphony orchestra.

The Jazz Elective sessions featuring the band provided young musicians with the opportunity to learn new improvisational skills and feature as soloists alongside the Navy’s musicians.

Musician Able Seaman Christopher Ellis, the RAN Band – NT’s trumpet and jazz specialist, led the sessions, providing encouragement and sharing his experience.

It has been a busy and rewarding year for the RAN Band – NT according to the bandmaster, Chief Petty Officer Svetlana Yaroslavskaya.  

With more than 50 performances in 2025 – up from just eight in their inaugural year of 2023 – engagements have included charity events and local community festivals as well as ceremonial duties.  

“I am very proud to see the difference and an impact a small unit of six Navy musicians can make in the region,” Chief Petty Officer Yaroslavskaya said.

The RAN Band – NT is the newest addition to the Military Service Bands in Australia and is actively auditioning local musicians for part-time roles.