AABC - Stay ARMY

Australian Army Band Corps


	Did you know? The regimental sergeant-major (RSM) is the senior soldier within an organisation (ie. a regiment, battalion, brigade, division or command) and he works to and advises the commanding officer, or commander. He is responsible for discipline, dress and all ceremonial aspects of life within that organisation. In the field he is also responsible for the re-supply of ammunition. The RSM is the custodian of the unit's customs and traditions. The title sergeant-major was originally the rank of today's major and denoted the staff officer of a regiment. The title fell into disuse towards the end of the 17th century when the word 'sergeant' was deleted but in 1797 it was decided to post the senior soldier of units to the headquarters and thus the appointment of sergeant-major was officially incorporated into the establishment of the British Army. Over the years the title was further defined by the addition of the word 'regimental'. In the early 1800s the sergeant-major wore four chevrons and by the 1840s the crown was added to the top of the chevrons. In 1881 sergeant-majors were given warrant rank and the badge of rank was a crown which was worn on the cuff. In 1917 the rank of warrant officer class one was established with the Royal Coat of Arms designated as the badge of rank. The crown was reallocated to warrant officers class two. In the Australian Army the badge for warrant officers class one was replaced by the Australian Coat of Arms in 1976. The position of RSM is an appointment, not a rank; however, all RSMs are warrant officers class one. The position for wearing the badges of rank of warrant officers changed from the lower forearm to the mid-upper arm at the end of 1996. It should also be noted that the correct terminology is 'warrant officer class 1' or '2', not 1st or 2nd class, and warrant officers are not NCOs, they are officers who hold a warrant.
The Australian Army Band Corps aims to achieve musical excellence in a variety of musical combinations, actively reaching out to the community. Army bands provide musical support to community events, charity organisations and educational programs, whilst fulfilling its military and ceremonial responsibilities. There are opportunities in six full-time (Regular Army) and numerous part-time (Army Reserve) AABC bands, with representation in every capital city in Australia. Musicians in the AABC gain immense satisfaction performing a range of styles. Apart from the symphonic concert band and marching band, other ensembles may include; woodwind & brass quintets, jazz combos or a fanfare team, vocal ensemble, folk group, big band and contemporary cover band. Along with a great pay package, there is the opportunity to travel the world representing Australia. A fulfilling aspect of being in the Band Corps is that you gain a sense of purpose and satisfaction knowing that your performances can help make a difference to the local and international communities while serving a vital role in your military duties. Army Bands support Army and Australian Defence Force ceremonial occasions as well as upholding their operational role to entertain deployed troops. The creative environment of the AABC encourages ongoing development, presenting the opportunity to acquire a range of skills and in turn, invaluable experience. Opportunities exist to further your musical development funded by the ADF. And if you have a desire to extend yourself beyond performance, you can learn creative skills in sound engineering, lighting, arranging & composition, conducting, information technology, instrument repair, human resource management, stage management, Occupational Health and Safety, public relations and much more.

Did you know?

The regimental sergeant-major (RSM) is the senior soldier within an organisation (ie. a regiment, battalion, brigade, division or command) and he works to and advises the commanding officer, or commander. He is responsible for discipline, dress and all ceremonial aspects of life within that organisation. In the field he is also responsible for the re-supply of ammunition. The RSM is the custodian of the unit's customs and traditions.

The title sergeant-major was originally the rank of today's major and denoted the staff officer of a regiment. The title fell into disuse towards the end of the 17th century when the word 'sergeant' was deleted but in 1797 it was decided to post the senior soldier of units to the headquarters and thus the appointment of sergeant-major was officially incorporated into the establishment of the British Army.

Over the years the title was further defined by the addition of the word 'regimental'. In the early 1800s the sergeant-major wore four chevrons and by the 1840s the crown was added to the top of the chevrons. In 1881 sergeant-majors were given warrant rank and the badge of rank was a crown which was worn on the cuff. In 1917 the rank of warrant officer class one was established with the Royal Coat of Arms designated as the badge of rank. The crown was reallocated to warrant officers class two. In the Australian Army the badge for warrant officers class one was replaced by the Australian Coat of Arms in 1976.

The position of RSM is an appointment, not a rank; however, all RSMs are warrant officers class one. The position for wearing the badges of rank of warrant officers changed from the lower forearm to the mid-upper arm at the end of 1996. It should also be noted that the correct terminology is 'warrant officer class 1' or '2', not 1st or 2nd class, and warrant officers are not NCOs, they are officers who hold a warrant.

The Australian Army Band Corps aims to achieve musical excellence in a variety of musical combinations, actively reaching out to the community. Army bands provide musical support to community events, charity organisations and educational programs, whilst fulfilling its military and ceremonial responsibilities.

There are opportunities in six full-time (Regular Army) and numerous part-time (Army Reserve) AABC bands, with representation in every capital city in Australia. Musicians in the AABC gain immense satisfaction performing a range of styles. Apart from the symphonic concert band and marching band, other ensembles may include; woodwind & brass quintets, jazz combos or a fanfare team, vocal ensemble, folk group, big band and contemporary cover band.

Along with a great pay package, there is the opportunity to travel the world representing Australia. A fulfilling aspect of being in the Band Corps is that you gain a sense of purpose and satisfaction knowing that your performances can help make a difference to the local and international communities while serving a vital role in your military duties. Army Bands support Army and Australian Defence Force ceremonial occasions as well as upholding their operational role to entertain deployed troops.

The creative environment of the AABC encourages ongoing development, presenting the opportunity to acquire a range of skills and in turn, invaluable experience. Opportunities exist to further your musical development funded by the ADF. And if you have a desire to extend yourself beyond performance, you can learn creative skills in sound engineering, lighting, arranging & composition, conducting, information technology, instrument repair, human resource management, stage management, Occupational Health and Safety, public relations and much more.

Musician

ECN 240
A soldier who performs as a professional musician in a military band. Music is an important part of military life, with service bands having a strong tradition of performing at ceremonies, parades, concerts and festivals. They perform many types of music including marches, classics, jazz and popular music, in situations as varied as concert halls, parade grounds and overseas deployments.
An Australian Army Band (full-time or part-time) comprises of the following instrumentation:
Flue/Piccolo Oboe Clarinet (Bb) and Base Clarinet Saxophones Bassoon French Horn Trumpet Trombone	Euphonium Tuba Tuned Percussion Kit Drums Guitar Vocalist Piano Bass Guitar

Entry Requirement	Further Information
Enlistment or transfer to the AABC requires a candidate to successfully pass an audition with a Trade Testing Officer. A typical audition includes: Prepared works (three contrasting pieces); Technical work; Sight-reading (AABC musicians must be able to sight read); Theory (general rudiments, harmony, musicianship and general questionnaire; and Aural (includes interval recognition, chord progression recognition, melodic and rhythmic dictation). There are minimum standards set for entry into the AABC, starting at approximately AMEB Grade 7. For further information on audition requirements or life in the AABC, please visit the 'Musicians Wanted' section of the Defence Force School of Music's website. Alternatively, you should make contact with your local AABC unit to discuss your interest.	The specification for the employment categories of AABC can be viewed at the Manual of Army employments (DefWeb only) For detailed information about becoming a Musician within The Australian Army, you can go to About the gig (FAQ) How do I apply? Benefits Package AABC Contacts Related Sites Australian Army Band Corps Defence Force School of Music

Entry Requirement

Further Information

Enlistment or transfer to the AABC requires a candidate to successfully pass an audition with a Trade Testing Officer.

A typical audition includes:

Prepared works (three contrasting pieces);
Technical work;
Sight-reading (AABC musicians must be able to sight read);
Theory (general rudiments, harmony, musicianship and general questionnaire; and
Aural (includes interval recognition, chord progression recognition, melodic and rhythmic dictation).

There are minimum standards set for entry into the AABC, starting at approximately AMEB Grade 7. For further information on audition requirements or life in the AABC, please visit the 'Musicians Wanted' section of the Defence Force School of Music's website. Alternatively, you should make contact with your local AABC unit to discuss your interest.

The specification for the employment categories of AABC can be viewed at the Manual of Army employments (DefWeb only)

For detailed information about becoming a Musician within The Australian Army, you can go to

Related Sites

Australian Army Band Corps

Defence Force School of Music