About Canberra City Band

Australia's oldest community concert band, the Canberra City Band holds a unique position in Canberra's history, having served the Canberra community for over 80 years since 1925. In a city with such a brief history we are very proud of our long tradition of enhancing a wide variety of popular community events; especially our unbroken record of marching in every ANZAC Day March since 1948, and the first public ANZAC Day service in 1926 on Camp Hill, behind the old Parliament House construction site.

After disbanding in 1937, the band re-formed after World War II in 1947 under the baton of William (Bill) Hoffmann OAM at the insistence of Prime Minister Ben Chifley. A year later (1948), the band made the transition from a Brass Band configuration to the 'new' Military Band format with the addition of woodwind instruments. In those days the band was sometimes referred to as "Mr Chifley's Baby". Until the Band of the Royal Military College at Duntroon was formed in 1954, Canberra City Band provided the martial and parade music for official ceremonies in Canberra.

Since then the Band has increased its involvement in community activities in the Canberra region and has expanded its performance repertoire. It has grown up with the city of Canberra and continues to serve it well. The Concert Band, which is known as the Canberra City Band, is a high grade wind ensemble of approximately 50 players of all ages. Membership is open to all members of the community.