About

The Air Force band is recognised as a world-class military band, with a proud history of service to the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian community.

The band's mission is to enhance the image and culture of the Air Force through music and ceremony. Its appearance at public and official events helps build relationships with the community, and foster partnerships with government organisations and industry partners. The band also demonstrates the professionalism of the Air Force, and represents the Air Force and Defence at significant cultural events, such as ANZAC Day commemorations, in Australia and overseas. Air Force Band is under the command of Squadron Leader Philip Martin.

Our collection

ABC Military Band March Card Collection

The A.B.C. Military Band (1930–1951) was a unique and highly regarded Australian ensemble that stood out from the nation’s predominantly brass band tradition by incorporating woodwinds and embracing a modern military band sound. Formed by the Australian Broadcasting Commission and amplified by national radio broadcasts, it brought together outstanding musicians from across the country under notable conductors such as Harry Shugg, Stephen Yorke, and guest conductor Captain H. E. Adkins, whose influence raised the band to an international standard. Through concerts, tours, and wartime broadcasts, the band became a symbol of musical excellence and national pride, before being disbanded in 1951 as a result of federal government funding cuts, leaving behind a legacy preserved only in archival articles and photographs and now it's sheet music collection.

This collection is currently being digitised and will be updated regularly.

While all parts present have been included in each digitised set, for the sets that have had obvious use the instrumentation has been as follows:

Solo Bb Cornet/1st Clarinet in Bb - designated Conductor part

Db/Eb Piccolo

Oboe

Eb Clarinet

1st Clarinet in Bb

2nd Clarinet in Bb

3rd (&4th) Clarinet in Bb

Bassoon

Alto Saxophone

Tenor Saxophone/Baritone in Bb

1st Horn in Eb

2nd Horn in Eb

1st/Repiano Cornet in Bb

2nd Cornet in Bb

3rd Cornet in Bb or Eb Trumpets

1st Trombone

2nd Trombone

3rd/Bass Trombone

Euphonium

Tuba

Drums

Themes: Shaping cultural and creative life