Melbourne Staff Band
More than 130 years of brass, faith and musical excellence.
The Melbourne Staff Band is one of Australia’s most established Salvation Army brass bands, bringing together outstanding musicians with a shared commitment to faith, ministry and the power of music.
About Melbourne Staff Band
Since 1890, the Melbourne Staff Band has shared the Gospel through brass music, building a legacy that now spans more than 130 years.
As the Territorial Band of The Salvation Army Australia, the ensemble performs in worship services, concerts, community events and ministry settings, using music not simply as performance, but as a way to encourage, inspire and communicate the Christian message.
The band brings together musicians from across The Salvation Army under the leadership of Staff Bandmaster Mark Hamilton, who was appointed to the role in 2025 after many years of involvement in Salvation Army brass music.
Their repertoire reflects the rich Salvation Army brass tradition while continuing to explore contemporary and creative ways of communicating through music.
At Wyndham Carols, that means something particularly special: the warmth, scale and power of a full brass band joining thousands of voices in some of the songs most closely associated with Christmas.
Experience the Melbourne Staff Band
From traditional brass repertoire to contemporary arrangements and worship music, the Melbourne Staff Band combines technical excellence with a distinctive musical character developed over generations.
Explore their performances online and hear the sound they’ll bring to Wyndham Carols.
Listen on SpotifyBrass at the heart of Christmas
There is something uniquely powerful about hearing Christmas music played by a full brass band.
At Wyndham Carols by Candlelight 2026, the Melbourne Staff Band will be part of the Main Event at Werribee Park, helping bring some of the night’s biggest musical moments to life.
Whether it is a familiar carol, a soaring instrumental arrangement or the full sound of brass supporting thousands of voices across the Great Lawn, the band adds a sense of scale, tradition and celebration that fits the night perfectly.
A rich brass sound
Few sounds say Christmas quite like a full brass band. The Melbourne Staff Band brings the depth, warmth and power of a traditional brass ensemble to the Wyndham Carols stage.
A living musical tradition
The band has been making music since 1890, continuing a Salvation Army brass tradition that has become recognised around the world
Music with purpose
For the Melbourne Staff Band, music goes beyond performance. Their mission is centred on sharing the message of Jesus Christ and encouraging others through musical excellence and Christian ministry.
Melbourne Staff Band in action
