Since 1952 the Army Recruit Training Centre (ARTC) has been served by a full time military band. Originally a brass bandwith 12 members, the unit has grown in reputation and now boasts a posted strength of 22 musicians performing on brass, woodwind and rhythm section instruments.
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As well as a marching band, Australian Army Band Kapooka (AAB-K) breaks down into a stage band, rock band, jazz ensemble as well as brass and saxophone groups and acoustic versions of the rock band.
This versatility means most genres of music can be performed and the band can cater for all musical tastes.
AAB-K is kept busy performing its primary role of supporting ARTC at march out parades and other functions within the Kapooka Military Area.
In addition to military and ceremonial roles, the band provides support to local and regional charitable organisations and communities in the Riverina.
In particular, the band performs a series of Music at Midday concerts in Wagga, the final concert in the annual Twilight by the Lagoon concert series and the Wagga Wagga Christmas Spectacular.
In 2009, AAB-K was granted Freedom of Entry to the City of Wagga Wagga to mark, commemorate and acknowledge 56 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the city and the Riverina.
As well as providing support to military and civilian communities, the band has also proudly represented Australia overseas on tours and deployments including Papua New Guinea in 1990, East Timor in 2000 and 2001, Bougainville in 2004, Japan in 2004 and Tonga in 2011.
The band will play at Forbes Town Hall from 7pm, next Monday, May 9
