On 16 March 1916, the Number One Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) sailed from Port Melbourne on board the SS Orsova (1908), arriving in Egypt in April of that year.

On 20 August of that year, Hugh Niven was appointed the first Bandmaster, and this date is recognized as the beginning of music services in the Air Force.

Significant amongst its early activities was its role as official band for all ceremonies and grand public military review for the opening of Parliament House in Canberra in 1927.

The former was founded under the direction of British-born bandmaster Laurence Henry Hicks, who simultaneously the inaugural Director of Music for the RAAF.

It also provides musical support during the Royal visit to Australia in February 1954 as well as the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne.

On 31 January 1968, Hicks was the Squadron Leader of the Central Band during a ceremony in honor of Nauru's independence.

1969 marked a tour of Southeast Asia to boost the morale of Australian troops deployed to Vietnam and Malaysia.

Other highlights include concerts in support of the 2000 Sydney Olympics; numerous international tattoos and tournaments, ANZAC Day commemorations around Australia, in Europe and on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey; and the 100th anniversary of the Armistice commemorations at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, France.

Internationally, the Ceremonial Band represents the RAAF at cultural events including ANZAC Day commemorations at Gallipoli, Villers-Bretonneux.

The Sydney Detachment is versatile ensemble that is popular at corporate Defence functions and community events alike.