The visiting Australian Army Band Brisbane added musical flavour to the 2020 Australia Day celebrations in Apia on Monday evening. 

The musicians travelled to Samoa to be part of the annual celebration, which was held at the Australian High Commissioner’s official residence and attracted leaders from the Government and private sector as well as the diplomatic community.

Having grown a reputation in southeast Queensland as one of Australia’s finest military bands, the band’s director Major Rachel Beeton said the band originally has 22 members, but they could only come with 12 to Samoa.

"In Australia, we have individual Australian army bands all over the capital cities and our band is from Brisbane," she said. "We came to help build our relationships here and we are also helping the Samoa Police Band as well as coming to represent Australia at the High Commissioner’s hosting of Australia Day.”

The military band also performed at a hotel and an elderly home before they returned to Australia on Tuesday.

"While we were here, we performed at Taumeasina Island Resort and also at the Little Sisters of the Poor at Mapuifagalele," she said.

Their performance at the Little Sisters of the Poor at Mapuifagalele was special for Major Beeton, as she said her band members will always remember seeing the residents dance to their music. 

Major Beeton said the hospitality that was given to them made them feel welcome and they enjoyed their short time in Samoa. 

According to the band’s website, the Australian Army Band Brisbane has grown its reputation for its musical excellence and impressive military appearance since its establishment in 1949.

The also provides musical support to Australian regal, vice-regal, state and ceremonial activities and it often appears at significant community events. 

In its concert format the band frequently performs for the public, performing a vast variety of musical styles ranging from traditional military music to contemporary popular music such as jazz and rock. 

The band often supports philanthropic initiatives within the community and provides support to arts education through its school support programme.