Profile

The Central Band of the RNZAF was formed in May 1935 and made its public debut on 12 May 1937, leading a procession through Wellington marking the coronation of King George VI. It functioned as a full-time unit during World War II but was disbanded after the war. In 1951 the Band was reformed as a territorial (part-time) unit and it has remained this way to the present day.

The Band currently has a membership of 65 territorial musicians. Membership includes people from all walks of life: many are professional freelance musicians, students and recent graduates from the New Zealand School of Music in Wellington, music teachers or work in another field altogether. Under the command of Air Staff, there are two regular Air Force staff and one civilian, who oversee the management and administration of the unit.

Weekly rehearsals are carried out, but uniforms are worn only on official or ceremonial occasions, such as concerts, Guards of Honour, government functions and other parades.

With its considerable membership and instrumentation, the Central Band is the largest and only full symphonic band in the country. As such, the band presents major concerts, records regularly for New Zealand public radio and has released Long Playing (LP) and Compact Disc (CD) recordings.

Apart from full symphonic band performances, to cater for different occasions, the Central Band also has a brass quintet, a full swing band, a jazz combo, a saxophone ensemble and an eight person Herald Fanfare Trumpet ensemble.