A MUSICAL VOYAGE - Royal Australian Navy

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From the first rehearsal everyone involved had the ‘right attitude’ and the display worked
from the first run-through. The eight minute display included The Alert march, I Am
Australian (sung by Able Seaman Damian Dowd), traditional Beat to Quarters and Waltzing
Matilda presented in three sections – fanfare opening, Sea Chanters Choir sung by band
members and a jazz segment featuring Leading Seaman Cam McAllister, Able Seaman Dayne
Grindley, Able Seaman Tony Frantz, Able Seaman Andrew Hansch and Able Seaman Dave
Coit on fanfare trumpets.
The AFG Precision Drill Team enriched the display with more than 300 specific movements
synchronised with the music. This was the first time some new dynamic moves were added
to the AFG Precision Drill Team routine, including weapon twirling, throwing and catching.
Both the Band and the Precision Drill Team agreed that not only did the combined display
work very well, but it also allowed representation at the tri-service level.
Upon arrival at the Brunei Rimba Air Base, each member of the Australian contingent was
presented with the traditional Malay wedding ceremony gift Bunga Telur - paper flowers
covered in glitter with a boiled egg attached to each one – a very nice touch and a warm
Brunei welcome. On the same day Tattoo rehearsals commenced at the air-conditioned
indoor stadium the Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex.
A Reception at the Royal Berkshire Hall gave us an opportunity to meet Tattoo participants
from twelve different countries. The cameras flashed non-stop taking pictures of band
members, dancers and singers from all over the world. It was a fantastic experience to get
acquainted with performers from the Singapore Armed Forces Band, the Chinese Acrobatic
Team, the Pakistan Armed Forces Band, the Philippines Armed Forces Band and others.
On 30 May the RAN Band joined the Combined Bands of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, the
Chinese Acrobats and the Singapore Armed Forces Band on a three hour boat trip to
perform at the Temburong District Brunei Darussalam International Tattoo Roadshow.
During the welcoming ceremony Commander Phillip Anderson presented one of the first
prints of the Australian indigenous artwork ‘The Salute’ to the people of Temburong village.
The Roadshow earned much praise and applause from the village crowd. On the way back
to Bandar for yet another rehearsal, the banks of the river were alive with grey monkeys
and crocodiles. It was hard to resist sending a quick text message back to Sydney: “Hi
Darling, I am in the jungle 4 degrees north of the equator!!!”
The Opening Show – what a banquet of traditional melodies, songs, and dances; what a
carnival of different cultures, styles and languages! Australia was the first country to
present its display to the people of Brunei. The Band and the Precision Drill Team
performed at their absolute best, receiving tremendous applause from the five thousand
people in the audience. ‘It must be one of the Band’s best performances ever’, enthused
one of the RAN musicians. Bruneians absolutely adore Australia and our display received the
biggest applause. Waving the Australian flag for the traditional Cheer Ship, joined by
everyone in the audience, filled my heart with pride.
Over three days and five shows of the Tattoo more than 25,000 Bruneians enjoyed our live
performances. His Majesty, the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, personally thanked the
Director of Music, Commander Phillip Anderson OAM, and the Drum Major Chief Petty
Officer Camille Martin.
A NAVAL SALUTE – RAN CENTENARY CONCERT
Article by ALLAN ‘SHORTY’ MOFFATT OAM
PRESIDENT RANCBA (NSW)
(REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION)
As one of the many functions that are being held to promote the Royal Australian Navy’s
100th anniversary, the RAN Band held a concert ‘A Naval Salute’ at the City Recital Hall,
Angel Place, Sydney on 10 July 2011.
The RAN Band under the Directorship of Commander Phillip Anderson OAM, RAN can take a
Bravo Zulu for an evening that will long be remembered by all those that attended.
Royal Australian Navy Band: A Musical Voyage