Base Auckland Band Master

Like many members of the RNZAF Base Bands, Flight Sergeant Denis Spurdle began his musical career in one of the many community Brass Bands in New Zealand.

In 1985 he decided to make a fulltime career of his music making and enlisted in the NZ Army Band. After graduating from the Bandmasters Course at the Australian Military School of Music in 1992, he was appointed as the Bandmaster of the NZ Army Band.

Flight Sergeant Spurdle is very active within the NZ Brass Band community.  He has been a member of many National Champion Bands in all grades and was a member of the 1992 National Band of New Zealand.  From 2000 to 2005 he was the Musical Director of the Woolston Junior Band, and under his baton they won three National titles in the D and C Grades.

After 19 years with the NZ Army Band in 2004 Denis was appointed the Bandmaster of the RNZAF Base Auckland Band. In 2007 Flight Sergeant was awarded a Chief of Air Force Commendation for his outstanding work with the Base Auckland Band.