Band Competition
Conditions: A band must consist of not less than nine (9) or no more than twentythree
(23) members, plus one Drum Major. Static Judge will give one (1) point for
each member in excess of the minimum nine (9) members in the band (not
counting the Drum Major). The provisions of the Australian Air League manual,
Section 20 will apply to the competition. Separate Boys’ and Girls’ band
competitions shall be conducted.
Music: Bands shall play one (1) fixed piece of music which shall be tune No.20
titled ‘Bugle March No. 12 Platburg' in accordance with Section 20 of the Australian
Air League manual and one (1) free choice piece. The fixed piece is to be played
twice on the march. The first time on commencing manoeuvres and the second
time so that the tune will be completed at the conclusion of the manoeuvres. The
band shall come to a halt when the front rank of the Band is in line with the last
marker. Upon the front rank of the Band reaching the last marker, the Band may
mark time and or halt on the Drum Major’s signal and continue to play to the end of
the tune.
Alternatively, upon the front rank of the Band reaching the last marker, the Band
shall immediately ‘crash halt’ on the Drum Major’s signal.
After the Band has come to the Halt and completed the fixed piece, the Drum
Major will give the order for the Band to play its free choice. During the playing of
the free choice, the Band is not required to remain at the halt and may change
formation.
Music for Salutes shall not be played during the competition. (eg General Salute or
Last Post).
Procedures: The Drum Major having lined up the Band in standard Band
formation will report to the Uniform judge, giving the name of their Squadron. The
judge will then proceed to inspect the uniforms and equipment etc. On completion
of the judging, the Drum Major will report back to the Uniform judge. On the judge’s
instruction to proceed they will report to the Static judge.
Upon reporting to the Static Judge, the Drum Major will give the name of their
Squadron and fall-in the Band in accordance with the “Fall IN” procedure.
On completion of the Fall-In, the Drum Major will again report to the Static judge,
and on the judge’s instruction proceed to march the Band so that the front rank of
the Band is in line with the position “A” indicated on the appropriate diagram for
field judging.
The Drum Major will report to the Field Judge, giving the name of their Squadron,
then move to their correct position and give the necessary commands for the field
competition procedure. Circular Counters extend outside the diagram. All other
evolutions must be performed inside the diagram. The band will follow the
procedures as laid down in the Australian Air League Manual Section 20, Diagram
No.6.
On completion of the Field competition procedure the Drum Major will again report
to the Field judge. On the Judges instruction, the Drum Major will march the Band
off the competition area.
Movements: The movements to be performed for the Band Competition are in
accordance with Diagram No.6 of Section 20 of the Australian Air League Manual.
The front rank of the Band will fall in at point “A”, then march in quick time to point “B”, left wheel, proceed to point “C”, left wheel, proceed to point “D”, left wheel,
proceed to point “E”, left wheel proceed to point “FF”. At point “FF” circular counter
march back to point “F” and proceed to point “G”. At point “G” the band will “HALT”
with the front rank of the band on the marker and play its free choice.
Circular counters extend outside the diagram. All other evolutions must be
performed inside the diagram.
