Two high school students joined the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Band Northern Territory to help bring Christmas cheer to Darwin locals at a ‘be a part of the magic’ event. 

On keys and guitar, the students rocked out with a full complement of Navy musicians, providing the perfect soundtrack for a crowd of onlookers. 

The students practised with the RAN Band Northern Territory for about a week as part of the Defence Work Experience Program. 

Alongside full-time Navy musicians, they rehearsed together and were introduced to ceremonial parade drum corps instruments as a glimpse at what being a part of the RAN Band as a career looks like.

Chief Petty Officer Ronald Schauer, lead on community engagement at HMAS Coonawarra, worked hard to ensure the experience for the students was unique and impactful.

“The idea came about because Northern Territory high school music students wanted to know if they could jam with the Navy Band,” Chief Petty Officer Schauer said.

“They showed us that there was a demand for a music-specific Defence Work Experience Program.

“A program where students with a musical ability could not only engage with the band, but all areas of employment within HMAS Coonawarra.

“This was our first time running the program and it’s been such a success we are looking at running it multiple times a year.” 

For the participants, the experience was overwhelmingly positive – improving their musical ability and their understanding of Navy. 

Northern Territory high school students who are interested in participating in the program should monitor Defence Careers - Jobs List - Defence Work Experience from early January 2026.