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The New Zealand Army Band is one of the most diverse musical entertainment establishments in New Zealand today.
As soldier/musicians they hold a unique position in the New Zealand Army. Their duties include performing at State and Ceremonial occasions. However the scope of performance that the New Zealand Army Band undertakes is immense and varied. Often they are able to show their ability as versatile performers promoting the New Zealand Army at home and around the world.
Essentially a traditional brass band, the Band has incorporated into its ranks a complete rhythm section enabling the band to broaden their repertoire to perform modern music. The band also includes a number of smaller ensembles that are adept at performing to specific audiences.
The New Zealand Army Band's performances are as varied as their invitations; Arts Festivals, International sports fixtures, school and public concerts.
But mostly the New Zealand Army Band has earned international recognition and reputation as one of the finest marching bands in the world. This standard is continually sustained through a regime of rigorous drill and rehearsal, evidenced by invitations to appear at numerous, prestigious world events.
The band has a busy schedule throughout the year with engagements for both military and public events, here in New Zealand and overseas.
Here are two examples of the NZ Army Band playing the National Anthem of New Zealand:-
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Contact the NZ Army Band
New Zealand Army Band
Powles Road
Burnham Military Camp
Burnham 7600
New Zealand
Phone +64 3363 0200 or Cell +64 21 671 925
Fax +64 3363 0193
The Senior Appointments within the Band are:
Originally from Timaru, South Canterbury, in the South Island of New Zealand, Captain Leanne Smith joined the New Zealand Army Band 1988. Capt Smith broke new ground being the first female to be recruited into the band. Originally a trombonist, Captain Smith has held numerous key positions within the band, with Deputy Drum major being one of her many highlights. Captain Smith was appointed the Drum Major for the NZDF Tri-Service Band that performed in Canberra, Australia for ANZAC Day 2001. In 2001 Capt Smith was commissioned to fill the appointment of Administration Officer in the rank of Lieutenant, and in 2003 was appointed Director of Music New Zealand Army Band. Since then Captain Smith has lead the Band on numerous overseas deployments to Australia, Korea, Italy, Switzerland, Tonga and the United Kingdom. In 2005 Captain Smith was the Director of Music for the NZDF Band that performed at the 90th Anniversary in Gallipoli, Turkey and in 2006 Captain Smith was the Principal Director of Music of the Year of the Veteran Pageant held in Wellington. Captain Smith is married to John and they both enjoy riding their motorbikes for relaxation.
Staff Sergeant Tristan Mitchell hails from Westport in the South Island of New Zealand. He joined the New Zealand Army Band in 1993. Tristan has proven his versatility within the band playing Tenor Trombone, arranging music and singing lead and backing vocals. In 2003 and 2004 Tristan was the Course Manger of the Mutual Assistance Programme Bandsman Course run by the Army Band School of Music. In 2005 Tristan was Deputy Bandmaster until September when he was appointed Drum Major until September 2008. Tristan has trained and led the band at many marching events within New Zealand and Overseas. Highlights include leading the Band at the 2006 Edinburgh Tattoo and, later that year, leading a Defence Force Band for the unveiling of the NZ Memorial in Hyde Park London. Staff Sergeant Mitchell was appointed the Senior Instructor School of Music in 2008 which involved continuing the musical development of both New Zealand Army Band musicians and musicians on the MAP Bandsman Course from other countries. This also included a short deployment to East Timor to help establish and train members of the F-FDTL to form a military band. In January 2010, SSgt Mitchell was appointed to his present position as Bandmaster.
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Drummajor - Staff Sergeant Phillip Johnston FTCL
Staff Sergeant Phillip Johnston was born in Christchurch. He was brought up and educated in Blenheim. Phillip Originally joined the Royal New Zealand Navy Band in 1996 before transferring to the New Zealand Army Band in October 1997.
Phillip’s first major appointment in the band was Practical Instructor of the School of Music.
He has achieved the title of Champion Bb Bass Player of New Zealand fifteen times, and the coveted Brass Bands Association of New Zealand Champion of Champions soloist title twice in his playing career. He has also been awarded First place at the prestigious Ern Kellar International Brass Musician of the Year. He has been a member of the National Band of NZ on four occasions touring to Europe twice, the USA, and a domestic tour.
Phillip was Course Manager of the Mutual Assistance Programme Bandsmen Course, run by the Army Band School of Music, from 2005 to 2007.
He was appointed Deputy Bandmaster in January 2008, before assuming his current appointment as the Drummajor of the New Zealand Army Band in August 2008.
This page was last reviewed on 14 April 2010 and is current.