RNZA Band Performed at Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance on Armistice Day 2016

From Lt Col Chris Powell, President, Artillery Band Assoc, and Col Barry Dreyer, Colonel Commandant RNZA.

In a trans-Tasman first, the Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery played before a crowd of thousands in Melbourne for Armistice Day 2016.  At 152 years old, the Band is New Zealand’s oldest military band and was in Melbourne at the invitation of The Shrine of Remembrance. They performed at a number of venues across the city during their 9-day visit under their Director of Music WO2 Steven Booth, before being part of the annual service at The Shrine, and received many plaudits. 

Band Association President LTCOL Chris Powell ED, says it was a great honour to be asked, and a privilege to perform at such a prestigious venue.  “It’s the first time a New Zealand band has been invited to the commemorations, and we certainly hope this will be the beginning of an enduring relationship.”  He said thousands turned out for the ceremony including the State Governor, State Premier and senior military leaders

The 2017 calendar for the Band is already looking full, with a wide variety of engagements, from commemorative occasions such as ANZAC Day at Ranfurly Veterans’ Village and Passchendaele Centenary Concert for Auckland Council to community events like Auckland Cup Day at Ellerslie Racecourse, Warriors NRL at Mt Smart Stadium and ‘Morning Melodies’ at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna.

Typically there are one hundred thousand or so attending the service. Our Band did a great job on behalf of the RNZA, Army and the nation. Well done RNZA Band.

At the links below are a photo of the band performing at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, and a letter of thanks to the band and the RNZA from the Shrine.

Click here for photo

Click here for letter.