Ensembles
Parade and Ceremonial Band
The Navy's Parade and Ceremonial Band, like the Concert Band, performs the 'bread and butter' gigs of the Navy's requirements. Ceremony is a significant and important cultural aspect of the Navy's history and the Band upholds certain traditions in order to preserve Navy history and culture. Some Band traditions were inherited from the Band of the Royal Marines, and were the building blocks of the RNZN Band. Out of respect for the Band of the Royal Marines, we preserve some of their music and traditions and integrate them into the new RNZN Band culture.
The Parade and Ceremonial Band provides music for Naval troop marching, Anzac Day, marching displays, military tattoos, street festivals, Devonport's Christmas Parade, visiting Presidents, Prime Ministers and other dignitaries; we play national anthems at international sporting matches and we entertain people around the world.
The Parade and Ceremonial Band is led by the Band's Drum Major, Shaun Jarrett CPOMUS. The music he requires us to play is the most varied of all the Bands within the Navy Band. The Parade and Ceremonial Band might play classical, swing, Dixie, the Last Post, Reveille, Elvis Presley, a salute and a national anthem all within 30 minutes.
The consensus among Band members is that initially, the most difficult part of playing in this band is to march while trying to read the chart on a tiny march-card. This is easily overcome with a few months of experience!