The Primary role of the New Zealand Army Band is to perform at Military and State occasions and fulfil its role as the New Zealand Army's foremost Public Relations (PR) unit.
Through its superb musicianship the band encapsulates the high professional standards of the Army in every aspect of its performances. Internationally, the New Zealand Army Band has gained recognition as one of the finest marching bands in the world.
The band is basically an all-brass band supplemented with a rhythm section, which adds to its versatility. Presently the bands are:
Performing Big Band charts ranging from Glen Miller to modern swing numbers.
Performing diverse styles of music scored for brass bands.
Playing for military occasions and performing marching displays for various events.
This group performs a wide range of music, from classic rock to the latest hits.
Quintet performing a wide variety of styles.
International performances will bring opportunities to travel to other countries. In the past the Band has travelled to Scotland, Australia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Singapore, Malaysia, Greece and the United States of America.
You will be required to be at a professional musical standard prior to recruitment. However once you arrive your musical talent will be nurtured and developed to the highest levels.
You will also learn a wide range of additional related skills including musical theory, sound engineering, communication and information technology, music arranging and composition, marketing, teaching and conducting. This provides variety and challenge throughout your career.
As your career progresses you will attend courses that assist with advancement and promotion. These army courses are held at various Army camps around the country.
Careers in the Army are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.
While undertaking initial Recruit Course you will be paid as a Recruit (see attached pay table). On completion of your Recruit Course you will be paid as a Private and your pay will continue to increase as your career progresses.
Upon successful enlistment into the Army you will be posted to Waiouru Army base. Here you will do 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have what it takes to be in the Army, and learn various subjects including:
Training within the New Zealand Army Band commences with an Induction Course upon your arrival to the unit run by the School of Music in Burnham. This will assist you in gaining the required information about the New Zealand Army and New Zealand Army Band to successfully complete daily tasks.
On completion of the induction course, the New Zealand Army Band School of Music will assist you in gaining qualifications in theory and practical examinations with the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music London and Trinity College of London.
Personnel have the opportunity to advance through these theory and practical examinations up to, and including, Diploma level. These qualifications will enhance your career progression and provide musical qualifications recognised worldwide.
This training is undertaken during the normal daily routine of the New Zealand Army Band.
The Army Band is based in Burnham Military Camp. Currently you can enlist directly into the New Zealand Army Band without undertaking a 12 week basic military training course in Waiouru (unlike all other recruits into the Army). However, soon after you join the band you will have to undertake basic training competencies. The band spends a lot of time performing around the country and at times overseas.