Air Force Band

On Sunday the 21st of June, Air Force Band will return to Iwaki Auditorium under the musical direction of Squadron Leader John Buckley and Flying Officer Michael Potts. Come along to Southbank's beautiful and intimate concert hall for an exciting afternoon of wind band music.

📅 Date: Sunday 21st of June 2026
🎵 Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
👀 More info: https://www.trybooking.com/DMMRH

⭐ Meet the Musician Monthly Spotlight

Each month, we shine a light on one of our Air Force Band members, the people behind the music, the mission, and the moments that bring our performances to life.

🎵 Meet: LACW Samantha Webber
Instrument/Role: Clarinetist

LACW Samantha Webber performs across Concert Band, Parade Band, Wind Quintet and Big Band, showcasing a versatility that makes her a standout member of the organisation. A skilled multi‑instrumentalist, her talent continues to reveal itself in new ways, enhancing the Band’s capability across a wide range of musical settings. Her musicianship, professionalism, and enthusiasm make her an invaluable part of the team.

🗣️ This month’s question:
"What has been your favourite trip with the Band and why?"

LACW Webber’s answer:
"I was lucky enough to travel to Singapore in 2025 to perform in a concert collaborating with the Singapore Armed Service Band celebrating the 75 years of friendship between Singapore and Australia. It was an amazing opportunity to meet and play alongside some fantastic musicians, and I was very grateful to be involved in such a significant event."

On June 21st, LACW Samantha Webber will be leading the clarinet section at our concert at Iwaki Auditorium in Melbourne.

🎟️ Book your tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1590401

This weekend, Air Force Band is honoured to support the annual Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service.

National Reconciliation Week begins tomorrow — a time for all Australians to learn about our shared history, reflect on the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and work together towards strengthened relationships built on respect and understanding.

We are privileged to play a part in this important service at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.

📅 Date: Sunday, 31st May
⏰ Time: 11:00am-1:00pm
🌎 Location: Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance
👍 More information: https://www.shrine.org.au/victorian-aboriginal-remembrance-service

ANZAC Day 2026

Last month, SGT Greg Strong returned to Gallipoli for the first time since 2011. He says “Being at Gallipoli now, compared to my first visit, I feel like I noticed more—the small details and the atmosphere of the place. I really valued performing Çanakkale Türküsü with local Turkish singer Esgy, specially arranged by SQNLDR Buckley. I took it all in this time. This could be my last visit here as a military musician, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to be part of such an important international event.”

The first photo in this post shows then CPL Strong performing under SQNLDR Steve Wright in 2011. The second photo was taken this year at the French Cemetary of Seddul-Bahr.

In 1989, in recognition of over 25 years of service, Governor-General Bill Hayden presented Air Force Band with a personal banner. He is shown handing it to Pilot Officer Steve Wright, then Administrative Officer and assistant conductor.

Last year, Air Force Band proudly displayed the banner for an Officer Training School graduation parade at RAAF Base East Sale.

This week, the Air Force Band is supporting the development of conducting students from the Defence Force School of Music - Corporal Shane Landry and Captain Sione Uata from His Majesty's Armed Forces - Tonga.

Working alongside Navy and Army musicians strengthens teamwork, adaptability and performance discipline in a joint environment. Opportunities like this ensure musicians are prepared to lead and support ceremonial duties and official engagements across the ADF.

It is a privilege to bring together musicians from all three Services in a shared space of learning and collaboration.

At Home Presents: ‘Destinations’
📅 20th May 2026
⏰ 10:30am
📍 Newman Hall, Defence Force School of Music

🎟️ Bookings are now available via:
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1469961

⭐ Meet the Musician Monthly Spotlight
Each month, we shine a light on one of our Air Force Band members, the people behind the music, the mission, and the moments that bring our performances to life.

🎵 Meet: LAC Aynsley Green
Instrument/Role: Pianist

LAC Aynsley Green is a dynamic and versatile musician whose expertise enhances a wide range of Air Force Band ensembles and ceremonial commitments. Performing on piano, organ, keyboards, and occasionally percussion, he contributes to Concert Band, Parade Band, AV8, Jazz Group, as well as Duo and Solo formats across public and Defence engagements.
Since joining AFBAND in 2021, Aynsley has represented the Air Force both internationally and throughout Australia. He has performed at ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemorations in Türkiye, Vietnam, and France, and in 2024 was part of the Indo‑Pacific Engagement contingent visiting the Maldives. His adaptability, technical skill, and artistic sensitivity make him a highly valued member of the ensemble, consistently supporting the Band’s mission at home and abroad.

🗣️ This month’s question:
"What ensemble setting do you enjoy playing in the most, and why?"
LAC Green’s answer:
"I am quite fortunate to play in the AFBAND Jazz Group, alongside some of best jazz musicians in the country. The group covers a broad spectrum of the jazz genre - from Trad, to Hard Bop, to Modern Australian works, each of which are almost their own separate discipline, pianistically and harmonically. Keeping up with such heavy players across such a wide range of music is quite a challenge, and keeps me on my toes."

To see LAC Aynsley Green in action, check out our video for International Jazz Day, posted on April 30th, link in the comments!

Air Force Band has recently marked several significant achievements and honours, and we are pleased to acknowledge the following members for their career milestones:

Our newest member, bassoonist Chris Haycroft, was promoted to the rank of Leading Aircraftman.

Australian Defence Medals were awarded to two members in recognition of four years of service. One was awarded to our trumpet player, Leading Aircraftman Chris Grace, and another to our clarinetist, Leading Aircraftman Cameron Smith.

We also congratulate Lee Webb from Sydney Detachment on his promotion to the rank of Sergeant.

Finally, our trombonist, Corporal Andrew Hammon, was awarded the Defence Long Service Medal, First Clasp, in recognition of twenty years of service.

Congratulations!