NZ Army Band

Formed in 1964 as a traditional brass band to perform at state and ceremonial occasions the New Zealand Army Band has evolved into a unique entertainment unit performing in a wide variety of settings.

The incorporation of a rhythm section and vocalists in the 1970’s enabled the band to broaden its repertoire to include swing, jazz, pop and rock. This has seen the band develop as the primary link between New Zealand’s Army and the civilian population, as well as becoming a major recruiting tool for the New Zealand Defence Force.

The New Zealand Army Band has also earned an international reputation as one of the finest marching bands in the world. Its entertaining displays of music and movement use unique choreography, humour and intricate drill manoeuvres not normally associated with marching musicians.

Over the past five decades the New Zealand Army Band has toured internationally, performing in England, Scotland, Australia, the United States of America, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Tonga and Vanuatu.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has been a particularly popular destination with the band performing in 2002, 2006 and 2010, as well as participation in the antipodeans performances when the Tattoo was staged in New Zealand in 2000 and Australia in 2005 and 2010.

Recently the New Zealand Army Band returned to England in May 2012 and performed in front of the Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the 60th Diamond Jubilee Pageant at Windsor Castle.

Always ready to accept new challenges the New Zealand Army Band has performed at arts festival, sport fixtures, educational institutes, orchestral and jazz band concerts, carnivals, pageants and tattoos around the globe.

“The New Zealand Army Band - an elite military unit serving New Zealand with professional, versatile and innovative musical performance”