Beat Retreat and Ceremonial Sunset Ceremony at the Flagpole, on the Treaty Grounds, reviewed by His Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand, The Honorable Anand Satyanand. (MC08-0051089)
3 November 2008
Fresh from a tour and public concerts in Warkworth and Whangarei over 28 and 29 October, the Navy Band has arrived back home to the Devonport Naval Base in time to lead the Navy Charter Parade marching through the streets of Takapuna on Wednesday 5 November from 10:45 am.
Immediately on completion of the Charter Parade, the popular Navy Band will be hitting the road again – this time heading into Whangamata over 6 and 7 November to perform two concerts at Whangamata Area School prior to a street march and evening concert at the local RSA.
Thursday 6 November
Whangamata Area School – Junior Concert 11:00 am
Whangamata Area School – Senior Concert 1:30 pm
Friday 7 November
Whangamata Town Centre Street March – 5:00 pm
Whangamata RSA Evening Concert - 6:30 pm
The Director of Music, Lieutenant Commander Keith Anderson and his band of 26 talented and passionate musicians will once more head back to the Devonport Naval Base in time to meet their next commitments; the Massed Band Concert at the Bruce Mason Centre at 1:00 pm on Saturday 8 November and the Basic Common Trainees family church service at The Naval Memorial Chapel of St Christophers on Sunday 9 November.
The Navy Band will then begin preparations for the formal events leading up to Christmas, Graduation Parade and Church Services prior to a well earned period of rest and relaxation with their friends and families.
In the New Year, the Navy Band will return to the Far North for Waitangi Day where they are scheduled to perform a public concert at The Centre in Kerikeri and lunchtime concerts at the Village Green in Russell and in Paihia – as well as the formal and traditional Navy events planned during the lead up to Waitangi Day from 3 – 6 February 2009 – full details, including dates and timings will be released in January 2009.
Background
The Band of the Royal New Zealand Navy was formed in the early 1960s from a nucleus of former Royal Marines musicians who remained in New Zealand after the Royal Marines Band was recalled to the United Kingdom. Since then, the Navy has enjoyed a succession of ex-Royal Marines as Directors of Music until the appointment of Lieutenant Glen Parr, RNZN in 1996, and the more recent appointment of Lieutenant Commander Anderson, RNZN, who brings with him more than 25 years experience in military music from the Australian Army Band Corps.
The Band’s role primarily is to satisfy the ceremonial requirements of the Royal New Zealand Navy, which includes support at Royal, Vice Regal and State occasions. When not on the parade ground or supporting official ceremonies, the Band supports local charities and community based organisations with concerts and other high profile performances.
Over the years the Band has diversified to meet the changing needs of the public with several new groups forming within the Band including a Big Band, Rock Band, Jazz Combo, and Brass Quintet and woodwind groups. The Band performs cabaret music, pop, rock and comedy skits, while also retaining the symphonic styles associated with Concert Bands throughout the world.
The Navy Band has appeared at the prestigious World Peace Fanfare in 2000 and 2002 held at Gangwon in the Republic of South Korea. In recent times the Band has performed in many parts of the world, including Australia, France, and London for the unveiling of the New Zealand Memorial and Turkey where they took part in the ANZAC Day remembrance on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 2006. The Band has also performed at many military pageants and Tattoos, the most recent being in Hobart, Tasmania.
In 2003 the town of Taupo formally adopted the Navy Band.
ENDS
For further information please contact Lieutenant Commander Barbara Cassin, Navy Public Relations Manager, 021-2440638
Media are invited to attend the Navy Band performances and interviews will be arranged as requested.