Pre-joining Requirements:

• Be a minimum of 17 years of age
• Have completed at least three years of secondary education
• Be a NZ citizen or have permanent residency and have lived in NZ for five years
• Be medically fit for service
• Be of good character – assessed by study of testimonials and a police record check
• Be free of any criminal convictions for the previous two years
• Minimum of three years secondary education
• Proficiency with instruments is the main criteria. Tertiary qualification desirable.

Download the  Entry Requirements Guide to see what school subjects and credits are required.

The Band requires musicians who can play one or more of the following instruments:

• Flute (to double on Piccolo)
• Oboe
• Bassoon
• Clarinet
• Saxophone (Alto, Tenor or Baritone)
• Trumpet
• French Horn
• Trombone
• Euphonium
• Tuba
• String Bass
• Percussion
• Bass/Rhythm Guitar
• Keyboards/Piano
• Vocalist

On entry into the Navy Band, Musicians need to be a competent performer/soloist on at least one military band instrument in most styles. It is also preferable for them to hold a musical tertiary qualification from a Polytechnic or University (although this is not essential).

Entry into the Navy Band is by audition with the Director of Music. Should this audition be successful, the Director of Music, in conjunction with the Navy recruiters, will put forward a candidate for selection into the Navy. Musicians must meet the musical requirements to be in the Band, but also need to meet the general requirements of entry to join the Navy.

Your Lifestyle
The Navy Band is based at HMNZS PHILOMEL in Auckland. The daily routine is similar in total time to that of other Service personnel but usually involve irregular hours for performances during evenings and weekends. Service in the Navy Band also involves considerable travel throughout New Zealand and occasionally overseas. When the Band is not performing or travelling, it is spends its time preparing for future events.

Your Future
The Navy Band is well renowned in New Zealand, held in high esteem in many musical circles and respected within the Navy. The Navy Band is based at HMNZS PHILOMEL, Devonport in Auckland. The daily routine is similar to that of other service personnel, but may include after hours performances during evenings and in the weekend. When not performing, the Band is rehearsing and preparing for future events. Each Musician is an integral part of the Navy Band.

Career Progression
Entry to the Navy Band is by audition and to be successful you need to be a competent performer/soloist on at least one military band instrument. Many Band members hold a musical tertiary qualification from a Polytechnic or University (although this is not essential).  You must meet the musical requirements and also the general requirements for entry to the Navy.

Your hard work and experience as a Musician are rewarded by promotions in rank and salary. On joining, you will undertake orientation training with the Band. Following a period of 2- 3 years consolidation, you will start your preparations for promotion by undertaking a Navy Music proficiency qualification (involving music arranging) and a leadership course.

On promotion to Leading Hand, you will again consolidate before working towards your next promotion.

Throughout a Musician’s career, there are also opportunities for further development through dedicated Navy training and part time study using the Navy’s education study assistance program.