Job Details

Other Ranks (Non Technical)

Air Force Musicians are employed to perform in the Air Force Band, providing music for Government and Defence Force ceremonial occasions, parades, commemorative events, dinners, funerals etc. The Air Force Band is located at Laverton, VIC, where most full-time Musicians are employed; and a detachment of Reserve Musicians is located at Windsor, NSW.

Musicians also assist in promoting the image and culture of the Air Force throughout Australia and overseas by performing a variety of non-ceremonial music (including popular music, jazz and chamber music) at concert recitals, festivals and charity events.

Musicians perform in a ceremonial marching band, concert band and various smaller ensembles depending on their individual abilities.

Air Force Musicians must be prepared to perform in operational and peace keeping environments in support of Australian Defence Force troop morale initiatives. This requirement dictates a need for all musicians to be trained to an acceptable level of combat readiness. Recent deployments include Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor and the Solomon Islands.

The following instrumentalists/vocalists comprise the Air Force Band:

flute/piccolo, oboe (including cor anglais), clarinet (including bass clarinet), bassoon, saxophones (alto, tenor and baritone), French horns, trumpet/cornet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion (tuned and un-tuned), guitar, bass guitar, piano/synthesiser (for popular music), and male and female vocalists (for popular music). Vocalists, guitarists and keyboard Musicians are required to also perform, to an acceptable standard, on an instrument suitable for ceremonial band commitments. (It is advised that this requirement be discussed during initial interviews and further advice sought from Director of Music - Air Force, if required, on (03) 9256 2349).

Note: Full-time positions are very limited, with all 44 positions likely to be filled for the foreseeable future. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consider employment in the Air Force Active Reserve.

Further information is available from the Air Force Band website.

Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)

The Air Force employs Reserve Musicians in a detachment located at Windsor, NSW. The detachment comprises a ceremonial band and a 10-piece pop music group supported by a rhythm section of full-time Musicians. Chamber music groups are to be formed in the future. A limited number of Reserve Musicians are also employed at Laverton, VIC.

The Air Force is actively seeking Reserve Musicians, particularly to join the Reserve detachment located at Windsor, NSW. Reserve Musicians must perform to the same standard as full-time Musicians and must also pass an entry audition before a panel chaired by Director of Music – Air Force.

The following instrumentalists/vocalists are being sought as a priority:

flute/piccolo, oboe (including cor anglais), clarinet (including bass clarinet), bassoon, saxophones (alto, tenor and baritone), French horns, trumpet/cornet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion (tuned and un-tuned), and female vocalists (for popular music). Vocalists are required to also perform, to an acceptable standard, on an instrument suitable for ceremonial band commitments. (It is advised that this requirement be discussed during initial interviews and further advice sought from Director of Music - Air Force, if required, on (03) 9256 2349).

Further information is available from the Air Force Band website.