20 December 2024
Able Seaman Ritnarong Coomber, a drummer with the Royal Australian Navy Band in Sydney, has participated in a special Christmas event at the State Theatre in Sydney on December 9.
Originally from Smithton, Tasmania, Able Seaman Coomber moved to Sydney five years ago to pursue a full-time career as a musician in the Navy Band.
His journey was inspired by friends in the Navy Reserve Band who recognised his drumming talent and encouraged him to join.
The event, titled ‘The Little Drummer Boy’, featured six military drummers – two each from Navy, Army and Air Force – performing a prepared piece of music from the musical Hamilton.
“The whole thing came together pretty quickly, with not much notice; we did a quick rehearsal and we were straight into it the same day,” Able Seaman Coomber said.
Despite being perched on scaffolding and unable to see the audience clearly, Able Seaman Coomber found the experience thrilling.
“It was a bit of a hectic day, but being involved in such a big production was incredible,” he said.
This was Able Seaman Coomber’s first time performing in a Christmas special, and while the day was long and tiring, he was proud to be part of something so unique.
The special, which features several acts, will run on ABC until Christmas.
“Overall it was a memorable experience, being able to combine my love of music with the excitement of a national holiday celebration,” Able Seaman Coomber.
The performance was part of a larger Christmas special that will air on ABC starting December 20.
