Bass players are used to setting the groove in bands, so for bass guitarist Able Seaman Musician John Collins, establishing the groove of Navy’s newest band felt like a natural progression.
The South Australian-born bassist is the latest addition to the cohort of musicians forming Royal Australian Navy Band Northern Territory (RAN Band NT) in Darwin.
Attached to HMAS Coonawarra, a team of four full-time musicians is working to establish the band and expand its footprint to that of a functioning Navy reserve band.
Enlisting in Adelaide, Able Seaman Collins spent his first year as a reserve musician in RAN Band South Australia.
He decided to go full-time, posting to RAN Band Melbourne, and, after an action-packed 18 months based at HMAS Cerberus, he accepted the novel posting to the Top End.
“Having been a reservist and then gaining full-time experience, I had some good insight that I could bring to the team in Darwin,” Able Seaman Collins said.
“As Darwin is a new band, we are still building our resources and the routine is very flexible.”
The NT musicians have been busy establishing the new band building and integrating with Coonawarra and the Darwin community.
They also supported numerous Navy and Defence official engagements and are busy rolling out a reserve recruiting campaign.
‘What I love most about the Navy Band is the camaraderie and teamwork of likeminded individuals that share a passion for music and service.’
The unit will expand to the same structure as Navy’s existing reserve bands, with a cohort of part-time musicians, led by a full-time chief petty officer musician (bandmaster), and leading seaman musician operations.
“It hasn’t been without its challenges,” Able Seaman Collins said.
“Thankfully, we have a great group of people here to meet the various challenges, and everyone at Coonawarra have supported and made us feel very welcomed.”
In November, the unit had its first public debut of its covers band, supporting the Darwin community at the Noone Left Behind International Men’s Day lunch.
“I think my highlight so far is going to be the cover band performance,” Able Seaman Collins said.
“It’s been a long time coming, and the vibe in the band is electric as we prepare for the performance.
“What I love most about the Navy Band is the camaraderie and teamwork of likeminded individuals that share a passion for music and service.
“It’s been a fulfilling posting so far, and I particularly love the strong sense of community up here in Darwin.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the band grow, and to making a positive contribution to the local music scene up here in the NT.”
Musicians interested in joining RAN Band NT should visit the ADF Careers website at www.adfcareers.gov.au/jobs/reserves/navy/musician
