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RAN BAND NEWS EDITION NUMBER 4 30 JUNE 2004
CHIEF PETTY OFFICER ANDREW STAPLETON AT THE DAWN SERVICE, BAGHDAD, 2004 RAN BAND DETACHMENT IN TURKEY FOR ANZAC DAY 2004
FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK
This month marks two years since I was given the privilege of leading the RAN Band. It is timely that in this edition I recap on some of our achievements during this period but in particular, our outcomes since the band transferred from Maritime Command to Australian Navy Systems Command last July. The previous editions of our newsletter give testimony of where we’ve been and how we travelled that journey. However, recent tasks have highlighted a period of significant achievement. Importantly, since the transfer to Navy Systems Command the band has continued its effort to renew and reshape itself to serve Navy as its needs change. The band’s funding situation remains difficult and this has, to some extent, required us to review the way that we do business. Nonetheless, and despite the angst caused through this funding position, the band’s national results have been impressive. Since the transfer the band has completed more than 510 missions for Navy (that’s 85 more task than last Financial Year). Our performance for the Welcome Home Ceremony for HMAS Kanimbla, the release of two new recordings (a Flagship Recital and Cruising Stations), our contribution to the Commissioning Ceremony for HMAS Parramatta, our Flagship Recital at the Eugene Goossen's Hall in Sydney marking the 90th anniversary of the band, and our role in the Commissioning Ceremony for HMAS Ballarat were nation best. Furthermore, our public relations figures remain strong and our web-site has achieved significant page view and music down load results since going on the net. Importantly though, since the transfer to Australian Navy Systems Command we have continued to reestablish our links with the Fleet by embarking musicians in HMAS Warramunga, HMAS Tobruk, HMAS Arunta and HMAS Parramatta. These deployments have followed on from the previous year with deployments in HMAS Kanimbla (on two occasions), HMAS Sydney, and HMAS Adelaide.
Royal Australian Navy Band: A Musical Voyage
