A MUSICAL VOYAGE - Royal Australian Navy

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HMAS Parramatta arrived at Yangzijiang Wharf, Shanghai on Monday 24 September where
the Peoples Liberation Army–Navy (PLA-N) band played on the wharf to welcome the Royal
Australian Navy to their country. Our focus in Shanghai was the performance planned for
the Glamour Bar and exclusive top level bar on the Bund. There were a number of events in
Shanghai, these included the Ceremonial Sunset and Cocktail Party with the formidable
sight of two ANZAC class frigates alongside. Along with the guard, we utilised the space of
HMAS Perth’s flight deck to show off the Ceremonial procedures with the firing of blank
volleys.
Ellen Turner, the Australian Manager of the Glamour Bar, was thrilled to have us perform at
the bar with the beautiful backdrop of the flood lit Bund. We enjoyed a fantastic meal at
the M restaurant upstairs from the exclusive bar; including salt encased slowly baked
selected leg of lamb served with vegetables and a rich brown sauce. Crew from HMAS
Parramatta and HMAS Perth ventured to the exclusive bar in support of the embarked
musicians; overall, it was a very successful night.
The most anticipated port for the Ships Company would have to be Vladivostok, Russia.
HMAS Parramatta pulled along side with the Russian Band playing tune for tune on the
wharf with our musicians on the flight deck. Once the official welcoming was complete, the
Commanding Officer held an official luncheon in his cabin with the jazz trio to add the right
ambience for the occasion.
Friday 5 October 2007, HMAS Parramatta visited the Russian Orphanage where the children
enjoyed dancing with some of the ships company to some Salsa and Latin music. The
children cooked and prepared an afternoon tea for the ships company and brewed a very
sweet Russian tea which was enjoyed by all. On completion of the concert the ships
company were shown the children’s toys and watched as they challenged some of the crew
in a wrestling match, one of Russia’s favourite sports. HMAS Parramatta made a substantial
donation to the children’s orphanage so that the children could enjoy some luxuries that
other children get to enjoy.
HMAS Parramatta sailed into the Western Naval District Port of Maizuru to the sounds of the
Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) performing Waltzing Matilda and the Song of
JMSDF (Umi wo Yuku). The Japanese people were shown true hospitality on board HMAS
Parramatta during the Cocktail Party and Ceremonial Sunset. Once again the musicians
performed an hour of jazz while guests were served some local Australian cuisine of
Kangaroo, Crocodile and good wine. The small ceremonial ensemble and guard performed
the Ceremonial Sunset and guests at the Cocktail Party were invited into various messes to
enjoy some Australian hospitality.
On Thursday 11 October, crowds were entertained for the open day celebrations and our
musicians enjoyed playing the Dixie solos in When the Saints Go Marching In with the Japan
Maritime Self Defence Force band. The Japanese were extremely friendly and it was a great
thrill to perform with their 35 piece band alongside HMAS Parramatta for the open day.
On Wednesday 17 October, HMAS Parramatta arrived into the Cebu International Port,
Philippines and was greeted by the official welcoming party and the Philippine Navy Band.
That evening HMAS Parramatta hosted the Cocktail Party and Ceremonial Sunset
entertaining 80 guests including Governor Cebu Province Honourable Gwendolyn Garcia
(equivalent to a State Premier), and Deputy Mayor and Senior Naval and Coast Guard
Officers. The evening was enjoyed by all.
Early on Sunday 28 October 2007 HMAS Parramatta berthed alongside in Western Australia.
Busy preparations were made to prepare the ship for the crew to celebrate being home.
Overall the South East Asia Tour was a very successful deployment for the Navy and HMAS
Parramatta. The embarked element of the Royal Australian Navy Band showed their
professionalism at its very highest and displayed an excellent standard throughout the
entire trip.
Throughout the deployment the nine band members were utilised throughout the ship for a
variety of tasks. Unfortunately due to limitations in time and training there were only a
limited number of positions throughout the ship where they could safely be employed.
These positions included Scullery and Café Party: an important but underestimated job.
Royal Australian Navy Band: A Musical Voyage