Air Force Band

From 1940 to 2025 — The Laverton RAAF Band standing before a Lockheed Hudson, and today’s Air Force Band stepping out of a C‑130 Hercules at the Richmond Air Show. 85 years of music, service, and tradition.

On Monday 25 May, CPL Kate Rockstrom took Jackie Fraser and Amelia Marra from Victorian Collections through Air Force Band’s historic A.B.C. March Card collection.

The A.B.C. Military Band (1930–1951) was a unique and highly regarded Australian ensemble that stood out from the nation’s predominantly brass band tradition by incorporating woodwinds and embracing a modern military band sound. When they disbanded in 1951, Stephen Yorke (Bandmaster of the ABC Military Band) passed their march card collection to Squadron Leader Laurie Hicks to support the formation of the first Royal Australian Air Force Band.

Kate says: “Amelia and Jackie were fantastic, helping me work out how best to share this historic collection with the whole of Australia. Their invaluable advice means I’ll be able to get this large collection digitised and presented, at least in part, by the end of 2026.”

Air Force Band is committed to engaging with and sharing its historic archive, and plans to keep expanding its online collection for access by all researchers, musicians and band enthusiasts.

You will be able to see the collection once completed here:
https://victoriancollections.net.au/organisations/royal-australian-air-force-band

Thank you to all who joined us at the Defence Force School of Music 'At Home' concert.

Air Force Band worked with a variety of conductors from the Australian Army Band Corps, Royal Australian Navy Band, and His Majesty's Armed Forces (Kingdom of Tonga).

Preparing music in a short timeframe with new conductors at the helm is a welcome challenge for the Band, keeping us ready to support future engagements and perform at our best. It was great to see such a strong turnout for the concert, and we appreciate your support.

On Sunday the 21st of June, Air Force Band will return to Iwaki Auditorium under the musical direction of Squadron Leader John Buckley and Flying Officer Michael Potts. Come along to Southbank's beautiful and intimate concert hall for an exciting afternoon of wind band music.

📅 Date: Sunday 21st of June 2026
🎵 Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
👀 More info: https://www.trybooking.com/DMMRH

⭐ Meet the Musician Monthly Spotlight

Each month, we shine a light on one of our Air Force Band members, the people behind the music, the mission, and the moments that bring our performances to life.

🎵 Meet: LACW Samantha Webber
Instrument/Role: Clarinetist

LACW Samantha Webber performs across Concert Band, Parade Band, Wind Quintet and Big Band, showcasing a versatility that makes her a standout member of the organisation. A skilled multi‑instrumentalist, her talent continues to reveal itself in new ways, enhancing the Band’s capability across a wide range of musical settings. Her musicianship, professionalism, and enthusiasm make her an invaluable part of the team.

🗣️ This month’s question:
"What has been your favourite trip with the Band and why?"

LACW Webber’s answer:
"I was lucky enough to travel to Singapore in 2025 to perform in a concert collaborating with the Singapore Armed Service Band celebrating the 75 years of friendship between Singapore and Australia. It was an amazing opportunity to meet and play alongside some fantastic musicians, and I was very grateful to be involved in such a significant event."

On June 21st, LACW Samantha Webber will be leading the clarinet section at our concert at Iwaki Auditorium in Melbourne.

🎟️ Book your tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1590401

This weekend, Air Force Band is honoured to support the annual Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service.

National Reconciliation Week begins tomorrow — a time for all Australians to learn about our shared history, reflect on the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and work together towards strengthened relationships built on respect and understanding.

We are privileged to play a part in this important service at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.

📅 Date: Sunday, 31st May
⏰ Time: 11:00am-1:00pm
🌎 Location: Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance
👍 More information: https://www.shrine.org.au/victorian-aboriginal-remembrance-service

ANZAC Day 2026

Last month, SGT Greg Strong returned to Gallipoli for the first time since 2011. He says “Being at Gallipoli now, compared to my first visit, I feel like I noticed more—the small details and the atmosphere of the place. I really valued performing Çanakkale Türküsü with local Turkish singer Esgy, specially arranged by SQNLDR Buckley. I took it all in this time. This could be my last visit here as a military musician, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to be part of such an important international event.”

The first photo in this post shows then CPL Strong performing under SQNLDR Steve Wright in 2011. The second photo was taken this year at the French Cemetary of Seddul-Bahr.