RAN Band Tasmania
RAN Band Tasmania Drum & Bugle Corps 2021.
Royal Australian Navy Band Tasmania is based at Navy headquarters Tasmania at the historic Anglesea Barracks in Hobart. The band consists of a small enthusiastic group of 12 part-time and two full-time Musicians under the direction of Bandmaster Chief Petty Officer Musician Martyn Hancock, CSM.
RAN Band Tasmania is well-known throughout the state for entertaining audiences with exciting and energetic rock band performances. In addition, the Band’s capabilities also include a fine Jazz Ensemble, a variety of small chamber and vocal ensembles, and a Drum & Bugle Corps for ceremonial occasions.
The musicians of RAN Band Tasmania are very passionate and forward thinking, with repertoire ranging from 70s classic rock to modern day pop music and, combined with a vibrant and energetic stage presence, the band excels at entertaining audiences. The band can be seen around Tasmania supporting events such as Anzac Day Dawn Services and parades, Australia Day events and RAN ceremonies, as well as a variety of Defence and public memorial services. Ship visits to Devonport, such as that of HMAS Stuart see the band supporting Ceremonial Sunsets, official functions, Freedom of Entry parades and ship open days.
When not in Navy uniform, the Reserve Musicians come from a diverse range of full-time occupations including scientists, public servants, medical professionals, teachers and students to name just a few.
Members of RAN Band Tasmania regularly support the Permanent Navy Force of the RAN Band, engaging in full-time contracts to support capability where required. This has seen Tasmanian musicians working both domestically and as part of deployments at sea, including IPE and RIMPAC, as well as international deployments and representation in the Middle East, Gallipoli, South Pacific and New Zealand to name a few.
In addition to performing for live audiences, RAN Band Tasmania excels at promoting Navy through producing innovative content for social media platforms. Some examples of their work include the RAN Band Festive Message 2019 video and the choral rendition of ‘In Flanders Fields’ for Anzac Day 2020.
To keep up to date with RAN Band Tasmania, like and follow the RAN Band Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RoyalAustralianNavyBand.
Bandmaster, RAN Band Tasmania, Chief Petty Officer Martyn Hancock.
Bandmaster, Chief Petty Officer Martyn Hancock
Chief Petty Officer Martyn Hancock began his military music career in January 1990 as a tuba, string bass and bass guitar player in Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Band Service. In 2007, then Colour Sergeant Hancock laterally transferred into the RAN, enlisting as a Leading Seaman with RAN Band Sydney. During his time in RAN Band Sydney, Martyn deployed on multiple occasions in support of RAN commitments abroad, as well as a number of significant ceremonial events.
As an experienced composer of music, Martyn has written many works for both RAN Band Sydney, and the RAN more broadly. These include fanfares, marches, descriptive work and a symphony; for events such as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the International Fleet Review, and the centenaries of the RAN, Australian Submarines, and Armistice Day. Much of his work is available to listen to on the RAN Band webpage here.
In 2016 Martyn was promoted to Petty Officer and posted to the Directorate of Music - Navy. He returned to RAN Band Sydney in 2018, and after only 12 months, was promoted to Chief Petty Officer and posted as the Bandmaster of RAN Band Tasmania in January 2019. Since then, Martyn has led the Hobart-based band in support of various engagements, including HMA ship visits, the popular Hobart Regatta, AFL ANZAC round matches, as well as developing strong relationships with, and supporting a number of important charities such as Variety Children’s Charity and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
RAN Band Tasmania Ensembles
For correct acknowledgement of RAN Band ensembles and naming conventions, please refer to the
RAN Band Acknowledgement Guidelines.
To obtain official imagery and/or graphics of any of our ensembles, please contact navyband.pr@defence.gov.au.
RAN Band Tasmania Rock Band 2021.
Rock Band
The RAN Band Tasmania Rock Band is the most requested ensemble from the unit. The Rock Band is an exciting and energetic ensemble that is well regarded throughout the state as a passionate and forward thinking group, with repertoire ranging from 70s classic rock to modern day pop music.
The Rock Band regularly supports significant Tasmanian events such as the Royal Hobart Regatta and the Wooden Boats Festival, as well as providing support to several charity events including the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life, Variety Children’s Charity functions and other charity balls.
The group also perform at ADF functions, visiting RAN ships’ open days, and Government House events. Additionally, the Rock Band enjoys promoting Navy throughout the community by supporting local events such as school fairs, performing both background entertainment and feature performances.
With a reputation around the state for being a vibrant and highly entertaining ensemble, the Rock Band has had opportunities to perform at events further afield, in places such as Flinders Island and King Island. Although the Rock Band is a small ensemble, it is well known for its larger-than-life performances and its commitment to engaging with the communities of Tasmania.
RAN Band Tasmania Jazz Ensemble 2021.
Jazz Ensemble
The RAN Band Tasmania Jazz Ensemble is one of several smaller capabilities that the unit can provide. Comprising vocals, trumpet and rhythm section, the Jazz Ensemble is a popular choice of ensemble to provide atmospheric background music for a wide variety of functions. The group regularly performs at functions such as official cocktail parties, community events and mess dinners.
The Jazz Ensemble is highly versatile with a diverse range of repertoire covering classic jazz standards, sophisticated contemporary jazz, and lively upbeat swing. Additionally, and particularly useful for mess dinners, the group have the capability to also provide the formalities of sounding bugle calls, side drumming, and singing of national anthems.
RAN Band Tasmania Flute and Piano Duo 2021.
Flute and Piano Duo
The RAN Band Tasmania Flute and Piano Duo is a small chamber ensemble appropriate for providing background music at functions such as formal dinners and receptions. The duo can perform an array of repertoire to suit the occasion, ranging from classical greats to modern day popular music.
The flute and piano duo also have the added capability of fife and drum, which is a favourite for military Mess Dinners. They also regularly support receptions at Government House Tasmania.
Join RAN Band Tasmania
Full details about joining the Band can be found on the Join Us page.
