Director of Music, Royal New Zealand Air Force Band

The Royal New Zealand Air Force Band is a Reserve Force unit based in Wellington, which has been a vital part of the New Zealand Defence Force for over 85 years. The band is made up of around 65 part-time musicians who audition and are enlisted as reservists. They range from busy professional musicians and educators through to music students, and professionals in non-musical fields. The concert band rehearses 35-40 times per year, including the events for chamber ensembles and small groups, there are around 100 annual engagements. 

Public engagements involve providing music for significant commemorations and New Zealand Defence Force events, ceremonial duties (including parades during the arrival of international dignitaries), large-scale public concerts, educational performances in schools, coaching local music students, and performing at charity events. The band’s smaller ensembles include a popular jazz orchestra, drum line, a covers band, and a range of wind and brass ensembles.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

NZDF is an inclusive organisation that is open to flexible working arrangements and welcomes applications from people regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, beliefs/opinions, or family circumstances.

In return for your expertise, dedication and hard work, NZDF is offering remuneration reflective of your experience, along with: 

• Great benefits for you and your family

• Fully funded life cover up to $300,000

• Access to discounted holiday accommodation across NZ

• Discounts Handbook for selected retail, entertainment and service providers

• 5 weeks annual leave per year

• Flexible working environment and positive culture

• Variety, challenge, and a chance to influence

• Access to free and subsidised medical and dental care

The Director of Music is responsible for providing and managing all aspects of the RNZAF Band. Based in central Wellington, the RNZAF Band is the largest professional symphonic band in the country, made up of reservist musicians who are some of the leading professional freelance performers in the Wellington region. It also has within it several smaller chamber, jazz, and pop music ensembles. 

As Director of Music, you will:

• Be responsible for delivering all musical outputs for the RNZAF Band – this includes concerts, regional tours, ceremonial events for the NZDF and government, functions, educational and community activities, and recording sessions 

• Conduct the RNZAF Band in rehearsals and performances (ceremonial or otherwise)

• Carry out artistic planning for the band

• Be responsible for policy and administration of the unit, along with personnel management.

Alongside the 65 reservist musicians, two fulltime military personnel and one civilian provide the coordination and management of the unit. The Director of Music role is a regular force military position, so the successful applicant will need to undergo basic military and officer training. 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience 

The successful applicant will have:

• Significant professional experience as an orchestral/symphonic band conductor

• A Bachelor of Music degree (or equivalent).

  Key attributes we are looking for include:

• Excellent conducting skills and rehearsal technique

• Strong musical knowledge and artistic programming/repertoire experience

• Strong performance skills and the ability to perform in a variety of settings with flexibility 

• Knowledge of jazz and contemporary music desirable

• Experience in leadership and arts management

• Strong digital skills, including Microsoft Office suite.

The successful applicant will be required to enlist in the Royal New Zealand Air Force and undergo officer training from January 2027.