Final Signal from the Director

RAN BAND NEWS EDITION NUMBER 19 16 DECEMBER 2011

THE 4TH NANCHANG INTERNATIONAL TATTOO IN FRONT OF HISTORIC TENGWANG PAVILION

FINAL SIGNAL FROM THE DIRECTOR

As I approach the conclusion of my tenure as Navy's 8th Director of Music I want to take this opportunity to say how grateful I am for the contribution you have made in promoting the Royal Australian Navy in such a favourable and highly effective way. The work undertaken by each of you and your detachment members has been first-class and collectively you have been a powerfully positive and consistent voice for Navy's public image, for demonstrating navy's values and traditions, and for engaging with and embracing change. I have been truly fortunate to have had so many highly competent musicians and sailors of great quality to help carry the band's banner, and who have attended to the Navy band's musical and ceremonial duties with such flair and authority. I am also thankful for the confidence shown by Navy's senior leadership in allowing me such an extended period at the helm of this world-class military ensemble, for affording me wise counsel when necessary, and for giving me significant freedom to manoeuvre. Many others within Navy have assisted me over the past nine and a half years, some of whom have moved on to other positions or to civilian employment. I wish to also thank them along with staff at the Defence Force School of Music for their ongoing commitment to providing highly trained musicians for important musical leadership roles within the Navy band. My successor, Lieutenant Commander Paul Cottier, will assume the position as Navy's 9th Director of Music on 16 January 2012. I am confident that he has the skill, ability, and enthusiasm to build upon the story of the Navy band's proud record of service. I wish him my most sincere best wishes. Serving in Harmony, it has been a privilege. I am deeply indebted for the opportunities and memories that you have afforded me.