Throughout much of the 20th century, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) featured two prominent bands: the RAAF Central Band and the Air Command Band, also known as the RAAF Richmond Band, RAAF 1 Regional Band, or the RAAF Operational Command Band. Prior to 1952, several other bands consisting of amateur musicians existed within the RAAF.
The RAAF Central Band was established in 1952, and in 2008, it merged with the Air Command Band to create the Air Force Band.
Music Directors:
- 1952-1968: Laurence Henry Hicks
- 1968-1984: R.A.Y. Mitchell
- 1984-1989: Michael A. Butcher
- 1989-2000: Graham Lloyd
- 2000-2008: Steve J. Campbell-Wright
The RAAF was founded in March 1921, with early bases at Point Cook, Laverton, and Richmond forming musical ensembles, including small drum bands made up of amateur musicians. These groups would perform in their free time, separate from their regular military duties. With a royal visit scheduled for 1954, the Air Board sought to create a military band composed of professional musicians.
In response, the RAAF Central Band was formed in 1952, led by an experienced conductor who was appointed as Commanding Officer and Music Master. His mission was to recruit talented professional musicians from the United Kingdom, Australia, and beyond to establish a top-tier military band of approximately 40 members. The band primarily consisted of musicians who responded to a recruitment advertisement in the UK. Laurence Henry Hicks, then conductor of the Black Watch Band, became the RAAF Central Band's inaugural conductor and the Air Force's first Director of Music. The first Australian to join the band was cornet player David Reynolds, who served from 1952 until 1974.
Initially based at Laverton, the band rehearsed in a gymnasium until a more suitable rehearsal space was secured at Albert Park Barracks. Unfortunately, this venue was destroyed by fire in 1958, necessitating the construction of a new rehearsal room, which was completed in 1960. Over the years, the band expanded its personnel from about 40 members in 1953 to over 60 within five years, including administrative staff. The enlistment of boy musicians began in March 1955, resulting in 15 young musicians being part of the band by year’s end. In 1985, the band welcomed its first female musicians.
Shortly after its formation, the band accompanied the tour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh across all States of Australia. One of its first major public engagements was the Coronation Pageant, which took place over four nights in Melbourne in June 1953, receiving significant acclaim and leading to two national re-broadcasts by the Australian Broadcasting Commission. The band continued to perform for various dignitaries, including members of the Royal Family, the President of the United States, and other international leaders, and participated in numerous significant events, such as the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, and the World Scout Jamboree.
The band also undertook international tours, performing in New Zealand for the 25th Anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, at Montreal's EXPO '67, and in Malaysia, where an audience of 40,000 was entertained on Penang Island. Additionally, the band played in Vietnam at Vung Tau, Nui Dat, and Phan Rang. Noteworthy performances include participation in the World Music Contest in Holland in 1961 and the West Berlin Festival. In 1964, Music Director Laurence Henry Hicks was appointed Supreme Director of Music for the British/Australian Military Tattoo in Sydney, coordinating music for 300 musicians across 19 performances. The following year, the band appeared at the 1965 Royal Tournament in London and the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland. In 1987, the band performed alongside the Australian Defence Force Contingent at the Royal Tournament at Earl's Court, London, and in various British cities.
In 2008, the RAAF Central Band and the Air Command Band merged to form the Air Force Band.
