Although the Defence Forces bands do not offer a schools performance program they will, according to their workload, perform at a school if requested. Requests must be made in writing indicating performance venue, suggested dates and time. Such performances are part of the forces recruiting program and are free-of-charge.

The Robert Blackwood Hall management co-ordinates a series of four concerts (usually free) given by the Defence Force Bands and the Police Band. Schools are advised through notices in the Victorian School News.

 RAAF Central Band 

RAAF Central Band Commanding Officer
Flight Lieutenant Steve Wright
RAAF Base Williams
Laverton VIC 3027

Performance enquiries to the Administrative Officer
Flying Officer Naomi Gill
Phone: (03) 9256 2439
Fax: (03) 9256 2116
Email: centralband@defence.gov.au
Web: www.raaf.gov.au/centralband/

The Royal Australian Air Force's Central Band supports a wide range of Air Force ceremonies and parades, and also public charity events, community festivals, service organisations (like Legacy and the RSL) and even some school concerts. Central Band has a number of performance groups, including brass, wind and jazz ensembles. The Air Command Band and Central Band will be working closely together throughout 2007 ahead of their merger into the one Air Force Band in 2008.

 Defence Force School of Music 

Defence Force School of Music
Major Graham Lloyd

Simpson Barracks Macleod VIC 3085
Phone: (03) 9450 7332
Fax: (03) 9450 7441
Email: Graham.Lloyd@defence.gov.au
Web: www.defence.gov.au/army/dfsm

The Defence Force School of Music delivers professional music training to meet the needs of Australian Defence Force bands, and is an internationally recognised and accredited training organisation. It is also the home of the ADF's music knowledge and traditions. The credo: striving for excellence. Teaching staff comprises experienced military musicians and instructors from within the Defence Force, as well as civilian instructors, drawn from leading tertiary institutions and private practice.

Australian Army Band Melourne 

Australian Army Band Melbourne
Major Peter Grant

Simpson Barracks Macleod VIC 3085
Phone: (03) 9450 7338
Fax: (03) 9450 7339
Email: Peter Grant
Web: www.defence.gov.au/army/AABM

The role of the AAB-M is to provide music for Defence training, ceremonial occasions and Commonwealth, Royal and Vice Regal ceremonial functions. In addition, the AAB-M participates in State ceremonial events, assists Defence Force recruiting and public relations and regularly supports charitable organisations. The band also appears at major sporting events, significant public performances and is also required, on occasion, to be involved in radio and television appearances.

The AAB-M consists of 35 full time professional musicians who form a concert band as well as smaller groups such as the stage band, jazz ensemble, woodwind quintet and fanfare team.

 Royal Australian Navy Band 

Royal Australian Navy Band Melbourne
Lt. Steven Stanke
HMAS Cerberus
Westernport VIC 3920
Phone: (03) 5950 7200
Fax: (03) 5950 6011
Email: Steven Stanke
Web: www.navy.gov.au/ranband/melbourne

The Navy Band is also happy to organise a performance program for schools at the Crib Point Naval Base. Workshops for school bands interested in playing with the Navy musicians can also be arranged.

The Melbourne detachment of the Royal Australian Navy Band provides ceremonial music, traditional and contemporary wind music, and popular music through its parade band and concert band. Extending its reach is a high-energy show group - the Corvettes - and a wind chamber ensemble - Pipe the Side. The Corvettes comprises a big band, a rock group, and a small jazz ensemble. Pipe the Side comprises woodwind and brass combinations including woodwind and brass quintets, and small vocal ensembles.

Victoria Police Band

Victoria Police Bandcentre
Green Street
Westgarth Victoria 3070
Phone: (03) 9489 2257
Fax : (03) 9482 4242
E-mail: police.band@police.vic.gov.au
Web: www.police.vic.gov.au

The Victoria Police Band was formed in 1891 and today they are an integral support for the Victoria Police organisational plan. Through the medium of music the band is a proactive tool for engaging the community and achieving positive contact with all demographics throughout the state.  As well as working within the community the Police Bands also support police, corporate and ceremonial events. The Bands are made up of three musical units – a showband, a rock band Code One and the Pipe Band.