The Darwin City Brass Band is an active community brass band grounded in the British brass band tradition. Characterised by the use of conical-bore instruments, this style imparts the band’s signature bright yet mellow sound.

Brass band history in the Northern Territory dates back to 1895 in the early settlement of Palmerston. Today’s Darwin City Brass Band has been performing continuously since 1981 and is made up of over 30 dedicated volunteer musicians.

Performances and Events

The band performs regularly at a wide range of community, civic, ceremonial, and fundraising events throughout the year. Military-related performances—especially for ANZAC Day—are a significant feature of our calendar. Notable appearances include:
- City of Darwin’s ‘All Things Christmas’ program
- ‘Brass in the Park’ concerts during the dry season
- Annual major concerts, including themed tributes and collaborations with other local performers

Concert Highlights

In November 2018, the Darwin City Brass Band performed 'In Their Honour' with John Kellaway, VoxCrox, and Shalom Kaa, commemorating the Centenary of Armistice. The event honoured five Darwin City Brass Band members who served in World War I—two of whom were killed in action, two died from wounds, and one was medically discharged after returning to Australia. The band also acknowledged the Darwin Town Band, which supported soldiers and the community during WWI.

Proceeds from this concert supported Legacy Northern Territory and the RSL Advocacy Program.

In September 2022, in collaboration with the National Trust NT Branch, the band presented 'Band at the Top'—a celebration of Darwin’s town bands since 1895. The concert featured the world premiere of 'Two to Ten,' a major commissioned work by Australian composer Jared McCunnie.

Community and Collaboration

Darwin City Brass Band is an inclusive and welcoming ensemble, actively seeking new members of all experience levels, including percussionists. The band regularly collaborates with other local music groups, and many members also perform with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, Arafura Wind Ensemble, and the Hot and Cold Big Band.

Bookings

The band is available for private functions, corporate events, conferences, Christmas programs, and special celebrations. We can tailor a program to suit your musical preferences and event needs. Contact us to find out how we can bring vibrant live music to your occasion.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals take place at the band room, 2 Abala Road, Marrara:
- Main Band: Tuesdays from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Learning and Development Band: Tuesdays from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM during school terms

Henry May serves as Interim Musical Director, with David Ambrose leading the Learning and Development Band.

Latest News and Acknowledgements

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We acknowledge the continued support from our major sponsor, the City of Darwin.

The Darwin City Brass Band recognises that our activities take place on Larrakia Country. We pay our respects to the Larrakia People and their Elders—past, present, and emerging.