Job opportunities

Vacancies will be advertised through Defence Force Recruiting.

Air Force Band Employment Details

Career Details

Musicians are employed to perform as required on ceremonial occasions (including parades, guards-of-honour and funerals), at formal functions and conferences, as well as presenting concerts in support of Defence Force public relations and recruiting.

Work Location

The Air Force Band is permanently located at RAAF Base Williams, Laverton, Victoria (outside Melbourne). Musicians within the Air Force are not normally posted outside the Band, however, many of the Band's tasks involve frequent travel throughout Victoria, interstate and overseas.

Education Requirements

Completion of Year 10 of a 12-year course is required. Applicants will be expected to:

• play to a standard equivalent to the AMEB Associate Diploma level or higher;
• be able to perform as part of an ensemble under direction; and
• be able to sight read at a professional standard.

It is also essential that the applicant has an elementary knowledge of the theory of music. Previous experience with a military or civilian band is highly desirable.

Auditions

Stage One

After the application date closes, submissions (including recording and CV) will be assessed by an audition panel. At this stage the most suitable applicants will be invited for an audition and interview at the Air Force Band facility in Laverton, Victoria . Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by mail.

Stage Two

The audition will be held before a board including relevant band personnel chaired by either the Commanding Officer or one of his deputies. The audition will be followed by an interview with the Commanding Officer. Unsuccessful 'stage two' applicants will be notified by mail; the most suitable applicant will be offered the position provided they meet the requirements in 'stage three'. Other suitable 'stage two' applicants will be asked to go on a waiting list and may be offered the position if the most suitable applicant is unable to meet Defence Force recruiting criteria (citizenship, aptitude, health and fitness requirements).

Stage Three

The most successful applicant must satisfy standard Defence Force recruiting criteria (see Defence Jobs ) before being offered employment with the Air Force Band.

Note

The education and audition requirements described are MINIMUM standards and all applicants are considered in competition with other applicants. Typically the standard of applicants is very high and often exceeds those described above.

Employment Training

After recruitment the successful applicant will be enlisted for an initial period of four years. They will undertake a 10.2 week recruit training course which is conducted at Wagga in New South Wales. The Air Force does not provide any additional formal employment training for this position.

Career Progression

Following one year of service, the Musician is eligible for regrading to Leading Aircraftsman/woman after sitting a skills assessment. From that point on, promotions are available, from Corporal up to the rank of Warrant Officer, based on performance, seniority and vacancies.

Pay and Allowances

Musicians join as MUSICIAN Grade 3 and receive Pay Group 5 rates of pay.

For more information on wages and conditions, see www.defencejobs.gov.au

More Information

For more information on music requirements please contact:

Sergeant Ben van den Akker
Recruiting Coordinator
Air Force Band
RAAF Base Williams
Laverton VIC 3027

Ph: 03 9256 2764
Fax: 03 9256 2116
E-mail: Ben.Vandenakker@defence.gov.au