For Musician Able Seaman Kieran Samuel, marching onto the field at Suncorp Stadium for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo was a full-circle moment.
A full-time musician with the Royal Australian Navy Band, Able Seaman Samuel plays the trombone - an instrument he first picked up at 10 years old.
"The school band didn't have any trombone players, so I was drawn to it," he said.
"There are so few instruments with that physicality, the slide and movement, and it has a bit of goofiness to it, which lines up well with me."
Just 18 months into his Navy career, Able Seaman Samuel was given the opportunity to highlight his artistry to a global audience across four nights of Tattoo performances.
The event marked two milestones for him: his first military tattoo and his first large-scale massed band performance.
"You always remember your first large-scale performance," he said.
"This was an experience I'll remember for a very long time."
While Navy musicians are often seen performing at ceremonial events, the Tattoo allowed them to highlight their talents in a different setting.
'I never imagined I'd one day take part - but here I am.'
"It's not every day we get to show everyone the ceremonial work we do," Able Seaman Samuel said.
"The Tattoo allowed us to put our best foot forward and showcase the talented musicians of the ADF."
A major highlight for him was performing alongside international bands, particularly ensembles from the United Kingdom and Scotland - groups that have long influenced Navy's own musical traditions.
"Seeing what it means to them positively impacted how I feel about my role in the Royal Australian Navy," he said.
Behind the scenes, camaraderie between the bands stood out above all else.
"Watching everyone pump each other up and have a laugh made me want to perform my best," he said.
"I've never worked on something requiring this level of precision, but we rehearsed and we trained, so I could trust the process."
The Tattoo also held personal significance for Able Seaman Samuel.
"As a child, I remember watching the Tattoo on television with my parents," he said.
"I never imagined I'd one day take part - but here I am."
