Air Force Band Performance Groups
The Air Force Band features a variety of ensembles. These are:
The Ceremonial Band
The Ceremonial Band carries out the vital role of musical support for Air Force and other Defence ceremonial activities, as well as musical support for ceremonial activities sponsored by federal, state and local governments.
The ceremonial band represents the Air Force on occasions of national celebration, in community festivals and street parades. The band has also represented Australia in cultural events overseas including ANZAC day in Gallipoli, the Taranaki Tattoo in New Zealand, the Royal Tournament in the UK, and the Edinburgh Tattoo.
The Concert Band
The Concert Band is the largest of the Air Force Band ensembles. The versatile nature of this band is its strength, allowing it to perform a variety of musical styles in many different settings. The Concert Band's large size allows for an outstanding repertoire that ranges from the classics, theatre, cinema and golden sounds of the swing era, right up to the popular music of today.
This ensemble regularly features guest performances by some of Australia's leading artists, as well as the band's own male and female vocalists.
Force 10
Force 10 is not only one of the largest ensembles in the Air Force Band but also one of the most recognised. Renowned for its versatility Force 10 has performed with numerous Australian and International artists and is regularly requested to perform at Music Festivals, Major Sporting and Cultural events across the country.
Through its support of the ADF, Force 10 has traveled to the Middle East, the Solomon Islands, East Timor and Malaysia performing for Australian and International troops, foreign Dignitaries and Government officials. Force 10 has just completed its first feature recording titled Riff RAAF.
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Air Force Wind Quintet
Formed in 2008 the musicians of the Air Force Wind Quintet bring together a wide variety of chamber music experiences from diverse musical backgrounds. Drawing on this experience the Air Force Wind Quintet is able to create unique and innovative performances combining contemporary and standard repertoire.
Providing musical support for official ADF functions, Government and Community events the Air Force Wind Quintet provides a valuable link between the Defence Force and the greater community, whilst in concert the AFWQ treats audiences to exciting and varied performances across Australia and around the World.
Catalina Wind Quintet
Named after the Catalina PBY-5 Flying Boat the Catalina Wind Quintet draws on a wealth of experience and musical diversity to create an ensemble as versatile as its namesake.
Heard regularly through their promotional CD Wapango, ABC radio broadcasts and public performances the Catalina Wind Quintet provides an important link between the community and the ADF, while providing continuing support for Defence Force, Government and Community events both in Australia and internationally.
Air Power Brass
One of the oldest ensembles in the Air Force Band, Air Power Brass is also one of the most widely regarded, combining experience and musical diversity to create an effective public relations tool.
With performances at festivals and major concert venues around the country Air Power Brass continues to forge important links between the ADF and the Australian Community while providing on going support for official ADF functions and Government events at home and abroad.
Air Force Clarinet Quartet
Formed in 1989 the Air Force Clarinet Quartet draws on a wealth of experience to create an innovative and unique ensemble. The flexibility of the performers combined with wide ranging repertoire has allowed the Air Force Clarinet Quartet to represent the Air Force in Australia and overseas.
Constantly seeking new ways to re-invent itself, the Air Force Clarinet Quartet continues to provide essential support for ADF, Government and Community events while through public performances maintaining valuable links between the Air Force, the ADF and the community.
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Low Brass Ensemble
Formed in 2008, this group brings together three trombones and a tuba to create a unique ensemble.
Their repertoire includes music from Bach, Telemann, Handel, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and many other classical and twentieth century composers’, right through to the popular music and tunes of people such as Henri Mancini, the Beatles and many more.
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The Air Force Jazz Ensemble
Drawing on Melbourne's rich and vibrant jazz culture, the Air Force Jazz Ensemble brings together six musicians specifically recruited for their dedication to this art form. Audiences are treated to energetic performances that showcase the musicians' skill in composition and improvisation.
Through performances at cultural events and public festivals, this unique ensemble fosters a valuable bond between the Royal Australian Air Force and the wider community. The ensemble also provides musical support for official functions within the Defence organisation and performs for Defence Force personnel.
The Air Force Jazz Ensemble can be heard on their promotional CD's, 'Walpurgis Night' and 'Vol Atile'.
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