|
m moved SAF BandtoSingapore Armed Forces Band
|
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
|
||
| (351 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|Military band from Singapore}} |
|||
{{cleanup-date|May 2006}} |
|||
{{about|the Singaporean military band|the Slovenian military band with the same acronym|Slovene Military Orchestra}} |
|||
{{Unreferenced}} |
|||
{{Unreferenced|date=August 2020}} |
|||
{{EngvarB|date=June 2015}} |
|||
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2015}} |
|||
{{Infobox military unit |
|||
| unit_name = Singapore Armed Forces Central Band (SAF Band) |
|||
| image = SAF Band logo.png |
|||
| caption = Emblem of the SAF Band |
|||
| dates = 1994–present |
|||
| country = {{flagu|Singapore}} |
|||
| allegiance = |
|||
| branch = [[Singapore Armed Forces]] |
|||
| type = [[Military band|Military Band]] |
|||
| role = |
|||
| size = |
|||
| command_structure = |
|||
| garrison = |
|||
| garrison_label = |
|||
| nickname = SAF Band |
|||
| motto = In Harmony |
|||
| colours = White and Red |
|||
| colors_label = |
|||
| anniversaries = |
|||
| decorations = |
|||
| battle_honours = |
|||
| disbanded = <!-- Commanders --> |
|||
| commander1 = ME6 Philip Tng Liat Peng |
|||
| commander1_label = Senior Director of Music |
|||
| commander4 = ME3 Lim Wee Beng Gilbert |
|||
| commander4_label = Regimental Sergeant Major |
|||
| notable_commanders = |
|||
}} |
|||
''' |
The '''Singapore Armed Forces Band''' (commonly known as the '''SAF Band''') form the musical arm of the [[Singapore Armed Forces]]. Consisting of the SAF Central Band and the SAF Ceremonial Band, the SAF Band provides musical support for key events such as the National Day Parade, SAF Day Parade, Passing Out Parades, Change of Command Parades and other military duties. Other than discharging ceremonial duties, the SAF Band also presents public concerts that aim to bring a wide range of music to the populace. They also seek to build up the band's music repertoire into an extensive array of styles and variety. |
||
== History == |
|||
Through the years, the SAF Bands has had the opportunity to work with several distinguished conductors and soloists including Frank Renton, Steven Mead, John Sharpley, [[Evelyn Glennie]], [[Jan Van der Roost]], Toshio Akiyama, Yasuhide Ito, [[Eric Whitacre]] and Hardy Mertens. More recently, the Bands were conducted by [[Philip Sparke]], [[Frank Ticheli]], [[James Barnes (composer)|James Barnes]], Roger Swift and Prof. James F Keene of the [[University of Illinois]]. |
|||
[[File:VATatt - Singapore Armed Forces Band (34356175666).jpg|thumb|Members of the SAF Central Band at the [[Virginia International Tattoo]] in 2017.]] |
|||
[[File:Singapore Armed Forces Band during AOH 2022 300522.jpg|thumb|Members of the SAF Central Band at the Army Open House in 2022.]] |
|||
Singapore's military music would begin a year before it became self-governing. The formation of the Singapore Military Forces Staff Band on 1 June 1958 spelled the beginning of the nation's love affair with military bands. From this core group of 45 musicians would come five generations of military musicians from the country’s armed services. |
|||
In recent history, the SAF Band has been representing [[Singapore]] at international music festivals. These include the [[Toowoomba]] Carnival of Flowers street parade in [[Australia]]; the Festival International de Musiques Militaires in [[Saumur]], [[France]]; as well as the [[Kuala Lumpur]] Military Tattoo in [[Malaysia]]. |
|||
WO1 Frederick Roy, the 15th/19th Hussars bandmaster became the first Director of Music of the SMFSB, a duty he did until 1962. The band's main duty then was as musical support to the [[Singapore Infantry Regiment]]'s activities. One of his young musicians, SSGT Abdullah Ahmad, was sent to the Royal Military School of Music for further training, later becoming a warrant officer upon graduating. The band's first composition, the ''Singapore Infantry Regiment March'', later became the Singapore Army's official march. |
|||
In 2006 the Band will participate in the Brunei International Tattoo 2006 ([[Bandar Seri Begawan]], [[Brunei Darussalam]]) in July and the Wonju Tattoo ([[Wonju]], [[South Korea]]) in October. The highlight of the year end is a concert with renown conductor [[Douglas Bostock]]. |
|||
Lt. Edward Crowcroft of the York and Northumberland Brigade Band succeeded WO1 Roy in September 1962 as Bandmaster and Director of Music. By November, it became the Singapore Infantry Regiment Band, and WO1 Arthur Edward Hollowell, DOM of the Band of the Parachute Brigade, replaced Lt. Crowcroft. He became a captain by the commission and led the band to its first overseas visit in 1964: the band's visit to Kuala Lumpur as part of the [[Independence Day Parade (Malaysia)|Independence Day Parade]] on 31 August that year. |
|||
== SAF Band's History == |
|||
A year after, WO1 Ahmad was appointed the Singapore Armed Forces Director of Music, becoming a lieutenant, and later as captain. He led the new SIR Band to the very first [[Singapore National Day Parade|National Day Parade]] on the [[Padang, Singapore|Padang]] the following year. By 1968, the band made its first recording under his direction. By that time now LTA Ahmad was also responsible for the Band of the People' Defence Force, the official band of the armed forces' volunteer component. After different names, the band was dissolved in 1974 and personnel were given to the other bands. |
|||
The SAF Bands is formed in 1994 comprising of men and women made up from the [[Singapore Infantry Regiment]] Band, [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] Band and [[Republic of Singapore Navy]] Band. The formation of SAF Bands come in a restructuring of the bands within the [[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)|Ministry of Defence]] for more effective distribution of manpower. From 1994, the different bands within the SAF Bands operated at different camps and locations. Central Band and HQ(RSN) in Tanglin Camp, Parade Band B (RSAF) in Tengah Airbase and Parade Band A (SIR) in Pasir Laba Camp. These sections combined in Novmeber 2003 after the completion of renovations work to the 'White House' the former British Colonial Officer's Mess in Nee Soon Camp. |
|||
At the same time, the Band of the Singapore Armed Forces was formed, with joint headquarters with the SIR Band at HQ 1 Singapore Infantry Btn., Beach Road Camp. They both later moved to HQ 3 SIB at Ulu Pandan Camp and later at 5 SIB at Portsdown Camp, and by 1972, the latter band was led by a Republic of Singapore Police officer, WO1 Ervin Dragon. |
|||
== SAF Band's Logo == |
|||
By January the next year, a new band, the NSF (National Service-Full-time) Band, was formed at Telok Pagu Camp at Changi. WO2 Alan Teo became its first conductor. |
|||
The logo of SAF Bands is a combination of the three services within the Armed forces. Light Blue signifying the Air division, Red signifying the Land division and Deep Blue signifying the Sea division all united within the Lyre, a universal symbol of military musicians. The Logo is topped with the [[Coat of arms of Singapore|National Coat Of Arms]] which was launched on 3 December 1959 together with the [[Flag of Singapore|National Flag]] and [[Majulah Singapura|National Anthem]] at the installation of the Yang di-Pertuan Negara at the City Hall steps and adopted by government agencies nationwide. Below the Logo is a banner inscribed with the Band's motto, "In Harmony". |
|||
May saw the first name change for the bands. They were renamed as |
|||
== SAF Band's Mission Statement == |
|||
# 3 Singapore Infantry Btn. Band, also known as the SIR Band |
|||
#To provide quality music support at major State & Singapore Armed Forces functions, parades & ceremonies. |
|||
# 4 Singapore Infantry Brigade. Band, also known as the Band of the Singapore Armoured Regiment |
|||
#To project the professionalism of the Singapore Armed Forces through musical excellence. |
|||
# 2 Singapore Infantry Btn. Band |
|||
#To foster closer relations with the local and international populace as music ambassadors of the Singapore Armed Forces |
|||
Alan Teo, by then a captain, left the DOM post at 2 SIB band by July that year, to join the then newly created SAF Music and Drama Company. Tonni Wei, then a sergeant and playing with one of the bands, was then studying at the Royal Military School of Music, graduating in October 1976 to become the bandmaster of 2 SIB Band, was commissioned as a second lieutenant (2LT) |
|||
== Structure of SAF Bands == |
|||
The Bands are made up of 4 sections mainly : Bands HQ, SAF Central Band, SAF Parade Band A, SAF Parade Band B. |
|||
In 1975, the 3 SIB Band soon moved to Jurong Camp, the 3rd Division headquarters. |
|||
===Bands HQ=== |
|||
The HQ is the main support wing of the SAF Bands. providing logistical and administrative assistance to the operations and training of all SAF Bands. It comprises of administrative staff, as well as a Training Wing, whose function is to train musicians and to prepare them for their duties in the main bands. |
|||
In January 1977, Tonni Wei joined the MDC and Alan Teo returned to his old post. By February, 3 SIB Band became the SIR Band yet again, and Teo joined the now renamed Band of the Republic of Singapore Navy-the former 2 SIB Band-to Sembawang Camp and the RSN School of Naval Training. The SIR Band would later relocate itself at Jurong Camp that May. Peter Yan, then a musician sergeant with the army, and a part of the SIR Band, was then studying at Uxbridge at the RAF School of Music for Director of Music training. He graduated the next year and soon joined the RSN Band as its director. |
|||
The SAF Bands HQ is led by the bands' Commanding Officer/Senior Director of Music, MAJ Philip Tng |
|||
and Regimental Sergeant Major is 2WO Abdul Razak. |
|||
CPT Ahmad retired from his post in May 1979. |
|||
The SAF Bands Training Wing is led by the bands' Chief Instructor CPT Muhd Yusri. |
|||
In 1981, SGT Terry Seah Cheong Lock, who started his military music career earlier in 1975 with the Singapore Armoured Regiment Band, returned to Singapore from the UK after graduating from the Royal Air Force School of Music in England. He was commissioned as an officer upon his return, as well as being appointed the new Director of Music of SIR Band. CPT Terry Seah Cheong Lock led the band for 13 years, up to 1994. |
|||
===SAF Central Band=== |
|||
Singapore Armed Forces Central Band is the premier band of the Singapore Armed Forces, and consists of a core of professional regular musicians, supplemented by Full-time National Servicemen (NSF) fulfilling their conscript duties. |
|||
As the 1980s progressed the public image of the bands was positive indeed, reinforced with increased participation of the service bands in the NDP and major military events such as the Open Houses as well as their concerts. By 1982, the SAR Band (4SIB Band) was soon relaunched as the Republic of Singapore Air Force Band, and would later move to Tengah Air Base. The SIR Band was also relaunched as the Singapore Army Band, but the band's new name and image never caught on. In 1986 the RSN Band welcomed its first lady musician. Their first appearance together in the NDP was in 1987's edition in the Padang conducted by the SAF's first Senior Director of Music MAJ Erwin Dragon, with another joint performance in 1990. 1988 saw the rebirth of the SAF Music Board and the formation of the SAF Symphonic Wind Band. |
|||
The SAF Central Band which is made up of members of the former Republic of Singapore Navy Band performs as a concert band, a marching band as well as a ceremonial band. It is further able to perform in a variety of smaller configurations, of which include a brass quintet, a combo & stage band, ceremonial fanfare trumpeters and a clarinet quartet. |
|||
The SAF Band was formed in 1994 from men and women of the [[Singapore Infantry Regiment]] Band, [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] Band and [[Republic of Singapore Navy]] Band. The formation of SAF Band come in a restructuring of the bands within the [[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)|Ministry of Defence]] for more effective distribution of manpower. From 1994, the different bands within the SAF Band operated at different camps and locations. The SAF Central Band and SAF Band HQ(RSNB) were by the time of the merger in Tanglin Camp, Parade Band B (RSAFB) in Tengah Airbase and Parade Band A (SIRB) in Pasir Laba Camp, as they formerly represented the three branches of the SAF before their 1994 merger which resulted to these bands playing for the SAF at various events, including their participation in the National Day Parade as regular participants and arrival honours ceremonies at the Istana. These sections combined in November 2003 after the completion of renovations work to the 'White House', the former British Officers’ Mess in Nee Soon Camp. |
|||
The SAF Central Band is most often seen in the public eye at major parades like the National Day and SAF Day parades. On a more regular basis, the band stages three concerts a year as part of its In Harmony and Chamber Repertory series. |
|||
In 2009, the Parade Bands were renamed as the SAF Ceremonial Band to reflect their duties more accurately. |
|||
The SAF Central Band is led by Director of Music, CPT Chua Siong Loo and Senior Director of Music, MAJ Philip Tng. |
|||
== |
== Logo == |
||
The logo of SAF Band is a combination of the three services within the armed forces. Light blue signifies the air division, red signifies the land division and deep blue signifies the sea division. They are all united within the lyre, which is a universal symbol of military musicians. The logo is topped with the [[Coat of arms of Singapore|National Coat of Arms]] which was launched on 3 December 1959 together with the [[Flag of Singapore|National Flag]] and [[Majulah Singapura|National Anthem]] at the installation of the Yang di-Pertuan Negara at the City Hall steps and adopted by government agencies nationwide. Below the logo is a banner inscribed with the Band's motto, "In Harmony". The logo was designed by MAJ Tonni Wei and SSG Goh Poh Wah. |
|||
The SAF Parade Band A was formerly known as the Singapore Infantry Regiment (SIR) Band. With the restructuring of the bands in 1994, the SAF Parade Band A evolved as one of the two Parade bands of the Singapore Armed Forces. |
|||
== Structure of SAF Band == |
|||
The band's duties include most official parades like the monthly Istana Changing of the Guards Ceremony, Officer Cadet School (OCS) Commissioning Parades, Guard of Honour(GOH) Parades for visiting dignitaries and other internal SAF ceremonies. |
|||
The unit is made up the SAF Band HQ and two operational bands: the SAF Central Band and the SAF Ceremonial Band. |
|||
=== SAF Band HQ === |
|||
The SAF Parade Band A is mostly made up of Full-time National Servicemen (NSF), supplemented by several specialists, and led by Director of Music CPT Johnson Lee. |
|||
The SAF Band HQ is led by Senior Director of Music, ME6 Philip Tng and Regimental Sergeant Major, ME3 Gilbert Lim. |
|||
|
|||
===SAF Parade Band B=== |
|||
Formerly the Republic of Singapore Air Force(RSAF) Band, the band was subsequently renamed the second parade band of the Singapore Armed Forces. |
|||
=== SAF Central Band === |
|||
Co-sharing duties with the other parade band, the Parade Band B is constantly on the go as they perform to dignitaries, officials and the public. |
|||
The SAF Central Band was formed during the merger of the tri-service bands in 1994 to serve as the premier band of the Singapore Armed Forces. Staffed by professional military musicians, the SAF Central Band provides top-notch musical support to all major State and SAF functions, parades and ceremonies. As the premier band of the SAF, the SAF Central Band is often seen at the Istana, performing for Presidential events and Welcome Ceremonies for visiting foreign dignitaries. |
|||
They are most often publicly seen marching down Orchard Road for the Istana Changing of the Guards Ceremony with the Provost unit. |
|||
Recognised as one of the most prolific military bands in the world, the SAF Central Band delivers performances in various capacities. Other than being a wind orchestra, the band also plays the role of a marching display band and a ceremonial band. The band often reconfigures itself into other smaller groups, including chamber and jazz ensembles. |
|||
The SAF Parade Band B also regularly fulfils other SAF-wide commitments like GOH Parades. Comprising of mostly Full-time National Servicemen, the SAF Parade Band B is led by Director of Music LTA Tan Aik Kee. |
|||
An integral part of the National Day Parade, the SAF Central Band also regularly performs at the Esplanade Concert Hall through its annual 'In Harmony' and ‘Chamber Repertory’ concert series. Thus far, the SAF Central Band has collaborated with many distinguished conductors, composers and soloists, including Allan McMurray, Douglas Bostock, [[Frank Ticheli]], [[Evelyn Glennie]], [[Jan Van der Roost]], Toshio Akiyama, Yasuhide Ito, [[Eric Whitacre]], Hardy Mertens , Philip Sparke, [[James Barnes (composer)|James Barnes]], Steven Mead and Tsung Yeh. |
|||
As musical ambassadors of Singapore and the SAF, the SAF Central Band have been invited to perform in numerous countries, including Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, Scotland, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States of America, with its varied performances well received by audiences and organisers worldwide. |
|||
Through musical excellence, the SAF Central Band projects the professionalism of the Singapore Armed Forces and rouses the spirit of the nation in peacetime and war. Through its international reach and captivating performances, the SAF Central Band generates goodwill and strengthens defence relations with foreign armed forces. |
|||
Since it was created on the basis of the Band of the Republic of Singapore Navy (created 1969 as the Armed Forces Band), the Central Band continues its lineage. |
|||
* Director of Music: ME5 Ignatius Wang |
|||
* Assistant Director of Music: *vacant* |
|||
* Honorary Guest Conductor: Douglas Bostock |
|||
* Band Major: ME3 Chiu Boon Hwee |
|||
* Drum Major: ME2 Jash Chua |
|||
* Concertmaster: ME3 Ang Yi Xiang |
|||
* Group Leaders: ME2 Dax Wilson Liang, ME2 Pee Jun Ming, ME2 Tan Yuzuo Joe |
|||
* Principals: ME2 Jasper Goh (flute), ME2 Justin Chew (oboe), ME2 Tan Yue Yuan (clarinet), ME2 Khairunnizam (saxophone), ME2 Lewis Lim (horn), ME2 Sebastian Koh (trombone), ME2 Kang Chun Meng (euphonium), ME2 Teng Siang Hong (tuba), ME2 Lim Xing Hong (percussion) |
|||
* Associate Principals: ME2 Teo Shao Ming (flute), ME2 Zulhafeez (clarinet), ME2 Christopher Shen (horn), ME2 Vignesh Mohandasan (trumpet), ME2 Jasper Tan (trombone), ME2 Shawn Yap (tuba) |
|||
=== SAF Ceremonial Band === |
|||
Made up of Full-time National Servicemen (NSF) and Operationally-Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), the SAF Ceremonial Band supports the monthly Istana Changing of the Guards Ceremony, Specialist Cadet School (SCS) Graduation Parade, Officer Cadet School (OCS) Commissioning Parades, Guard of Honour (GOH) Parades for visiting dignitaries and other internal SAF ceremonies. The Ceremonial Band's two sections continue the heritage of the bands of the Singapore Infantry Regiment and the Republic of Singapore Air Force. |
|||
* Director of Music: ME5 Tan Aik Kee Ken Steven |
|||
* Assistant Director of Music: ME4 Ong Wee Hong |
|||
* Drum Majors: ME2 Winston Goh, ME2 Hafis Amron |
|||
== Key Personnel == |
== Key Personnel == |
||
* Senior Director of Music and Commanding Officer: ''ME6 Philip Tng Liat Peng'' |
|||
* Director of Music, SAF Ceremonial Band / Head Operations Support Branch: ''ME5 Tan Aik Kee Ken Steven '' |
|||
* Director of Music, SAF Central Band: ''ME5 Ignatius Wang'' |
|||
* Assistant Director of Music, SAF Ceremonial Band,: ''ME4 Ong Wee Hong'' |
|||
* Regimental Sergeant Major: ''ME3 Lim Wee Beng Gilbert'' |
|||
== Ceremonies and parades == |
|||
* Change of Guards (COG) Ceremony: Together with the new guards from SAF Military Police (MP) command, the band marches down Orchard Road to Istana for the ceremony which involves a public performance by the Silent Precision Drill Squad (SPDS). |
|||
* Presentation of Credentials (POC) Parade: Held in Istana to welcome Foreign Dignitaries |
|||
* Guard of Honour (GOH) Parade: Held in Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) to welcome Foreign Dignitaries |
|||
* Change of Command (COC) Parade: Held to commemorate the official transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from a commanding officer to another. |
|||
* Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) Passing Out Parade: Held in Floating Platform @ Marina Bay, Pasir Laba Camp and the [[Singapore Sports Hub]] |
|||
* Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade (SCGP): Held in Pasir Laba Camp Leaders Square |
|||
* Officer Cadet School (OCS) Commissioning Parade: Held in SAFTI Military Institute (MI) |
|||
* Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day: Held in SAFTI MI, the main objective of this day is for the members of the armed forces to reaffirm their pledge of loyalty and dedication to the SAF and the nation. |
|||
* National Day Parade (NDP): The band is actively involved in the annual event in commemoration of Singapore's independence since 1965. |
|||
* Other Special Deployments: [[Military Tattoo]]s, Anniversary Parades, [[Trooping the Colour|Trooping of Colours]], Openings of Military Exercises, Military Funerals |
|||
==Performances== |
|||
The SAF Band had also represented Singapore at international music festivals. These include: |
|||
* 2000 – the [[Toowoomba]] Carnival of Flowers street parade in Australia; |
|||
* 2001 – the Festival International de Musiques Militaires in [[Saumur]], France; |
|||
* 2002 – the [[Kuala Lumpur]] International Tattoo in Malaysia; |
|||
* 2006 – the Brunei International Tattoo in [[Bandar Seri Begawan]], [[Brunei Darussalam]]; the [[Wonju]] Tattoo in South Korea; |
|||
* 2007 – the India Tattoo in [[New Delhi]]; the [[Kuala Lumpur]] International Tattoo in Malaysia; |
|||
* 2008 – the [[Quebec City International Festival of Military Bands|Quebec International Tattoo]] in Canada; |
|||
* 2009 – the [[Nanchang]] Tattoo in China; |
|||
* 2010 – the [[JSDF Marching Festival|Japan Self-Defense Force Tattoo]] in [[Tokyo]], Japan; |
|||
* 2011 – the [[Bremen]] International Tattoo in Germany; the Brunei International Tattoo in [[Bandar Seri Begawan]], [[Brunei Darussalam]]; |
|||
* 2012 – the [[Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festival and Tattoo|Spasskaya International Tattoo]] in [[Moscow]], Russia; |
|||
* 2013 – the [[Malmö]] Tattoo in Sweden; |
|||
* 2014 – the [[Basel Tattoo]] in Switzerland; the [[Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo]] in Scotland; the [[Kuala Lumpur]] International Tattoo in Malaysia; |
|||
* 2016 – the [[The Amur Waves International Military Bands Festival|Amur Waves International Military Tattoo]] in [[Khabarovsk]], Russia; |
|||
* 2017 – the [[Virginia International Tattoo]] in [[Virginia]], United States of America; |
|||
* 2018 – the [[JSDF Marching Festival|Japan Self-Defense Forces Marching Festival]] in [[Tokyo]], Japan; |
|||
* 2019 – the Nanchang International Military Tattoo in [[Nanchang]], China; |
|||
* 2023 – the [[Virginia International Tattoo]] in [[Virginia]], United States of America; |
|||
== SAF Ceremonial Music == |
|||
=== Salutes === |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|- |
|||
! Title !! Event !! Composer / arranger |
|||
|- |
|||
| President Fanfare || Presidential Fanfare || Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
|||
|- |
|||
| PM Fanfare || Prime Minister Fanfare || Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
|||
|- |
|||
| Salute No.1 || Head of State Salute || Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
|||
|- |
|||
| Salute No.2 || Prime Minister Salute || Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
|||
|- |
|||
| Salute No.3 || Minister Salute || Peter Yan P. T |
|||
|- |
|||
| Salute No.4 || Chief of Defence Salute || Ervin E. Dragon |
|||
|- |
|||
| Salute No.5 || Service Chief Salute || Terry Seah Cheong Lock |
|||
|- |
|||
| Salute No.6 || Reviewing Officer Salute – Military reviewing officer of general rank including foreign ambassadors || Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
|||
|- |
|||
| Salute No.7 || SAF Salute – Senior military officers of colonel rank and below || A. Abdullah Sumardi |
|||
|- |
|||
| NS 45 Salute || Used in NDP 2012 to pay tribute to national servicemen of the past and present || Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
|||
|- |
|||
| Advance in Review Order || SAF Day || Chua Siong Loo |
|||
|} |
|||
=== Slow Marches === |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|- |
|||
! Title !! Event !! Composer / Arranger |
|||
|- |
|||
| Honour and Glory || Various Parades, SAF Commando Formation, Trooping of Colors || Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
|||
|- |
|||
| Pride, Discipline and Honour || Various Parades, SAF Military Police Command, Trooping of Colors || Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
|||
|- |
|||
| Standing Victorious || Various Parades || Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
|||
|- |
|||
|} |
|||
=== Quick Marches === |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|- |
|||
! Title !! Unit !! Composer / Arranger |
|||
|- |
|||
| Tentera Singapura || Singapore Armed Forces || A. Abdullah Sumardi |
|||
|- |
|||
| Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) March || Singapore Air Force || Ervin E Dragon |
|||
|- |
|||
| Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) March || Singapore Navy || Alan Teo Chwee Lye |
|||
|- |
|||
| Singapore Infantry Regiment (SIR) March || Singapore Army || F. W. Roy |
|||
|- |
|||
|The Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) March |
|||
|Digital and Intelligence Service |
|||
|ME2 Dax Wilson Liang |
|||
|- |
|||
| Marching with Pride || Tri-Service || Erwin E. Dragon |
|||
|- |
|||
| Upwards and Onwards || Singapore Navy || Arranged by Peter Yan P. T.; Edited by Muhammad Yusri |
|||
|- |
|||
| Bandstand || SAF Band || Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
|||
|- |
|||
| Bergerak || SAF Combat Engineers || A. Abdullah Sumardi |
|||
|- |
|||
| Berjuang || SAF Signals || - |
|||
|- |
|||
| Guard of Honour March || GOH Contingents || Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
|||
|- |
|||
| Pride of Our Nation || || Arranged by Tonni Wei Shi Ren; Edited by Philip Tng Liat Peng |
|||
|- |
|||
| Spot On || SAF Military Police Command || Ervin E. Dragon |
|||
|- |
|||
| The Commandos || SAF Commando Formation || A. Abdullah Sumardi; Arranged and Edited by Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
|||
|- |
|||
| The Logisticians || SAF Logistics || - |
|||
|- |
|||
| We are One || Singapore Infantry || Music and Lyrics by Yeo Kai Loon; Arranged by Tan Aik Kee |
|||
|- |
|||
| We are One || Singapore Infantry || Music and Lyrics by Yeo Kai Loon; Arranged by Tonni Wei Shi Ren; Edited by Philip Tng Liat Peng |
|||
|- |
|||
| We are One 128 || Singapore Infantry || Music and Lyrics by Yeo Kai Loon; Arranged by Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
|||
|- |
|||
| We are Ready || National Cadet Corps || Arranged by Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
|||
|} |
|||
=== Ceremonial Music === |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|- |
|||
! Title !! Event !! Composer / Arranger |
|||
|- |
|||
| Majulah Singapura || SCGP POP, OCS Commissioning, SAF Day, NDP || Music by [[Zubir Said]]; Arranged by Phoon Yew Tien; Transcribed by Philip Tng Liat Peng |
|||
|- |
|||
| A Nation's March || NDP 2012 || Syawaludin Kassim |
|||
|- |
|||
| A Triumphant Spirit || Various NDPs || Syawaludin Kassim |
|||
|- |
|||
| For The People for the Nation || Various Parades || Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
|||
|- |
|||
| March of the Blue Berets || Various Parades || Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
|||
|- |
|||
| Munneru Valiba || OCS Commissioning || Traditional |
|||
|- |
|||
| Negara Kita || OCS Commissioning || Terry Seah Cheong Lock |
|||
|- |
|||
| Officer of The Day || COG Ceremony || R.B. Hall; Arranged by Norman Richardson |
|||
|- |
|||
| One in Unity || NDP 2013 || Johnson Lee Kah Hee, Joshua Low |
|||
|- |
|||
| Our Country Our Home || NDP 2014 || Johnson Lee Kah Hee, Joshua Low |
|||
|- |
|||
| Point of War || National Day Parade |
|||
|| Traditional |
|||
|- |
|||
| Reach Out for the Skies || Various Parades || Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
|||
|- |
|||
| Salute to the Nation || NDP 1994, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2011, 2019 || - |
|||
|- |
|||
| To Mount with Loyalty || Various Parades || Tan Aik Kee |
|||
|- |
|||
| Training To Be Soldiers || BMTC POP || Arranged by Sin Jin How |
|||
|- |
|||
| Trust Me Singapore || OCS Commissioning || Ervin E. Dragon |
|||
|- |
|||
| Untuk Rakyat Dan Negara || || Arranged by Terry Seah Cheong Lock |
|||
|- |
|||
| We Are Singapore || || Tan Aik Kee |
|||
|- |
|||
| We The People of Singapore / Our Homeland || NDP 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018 |
|||
|| Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
|||
|- |
|||
| Will You? || Various Parades || Music and Lyrics by Jimmy Ye; Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
|||
|- |
|||
| Dead March from Saul || Military Funerals || [[George Frideric Handel]]; Arranged by J. Hartmann |
|||
|- |
|||
| Laid to Rest || Military Funerals || Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
|||
|} |
|||
=== SAF Songs === |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|- |
|||
! Title !! Event !! Composer / Arranger |
|||
|- |
|||
| The SAF Dream || Various Parades || Music & Lyrics by ME2 Dax Wilson Liang |
|||
|- |
|||
| APGCians Marching On || Air Power Generation Command (APGC) || Lyrics by MAJ Chan Chin Ann; ME4 Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
|||
|- |
|||
| Officer Cadet School Song || Officer Cadet School || Arranged by Tan Yan Zhang |
|||
|- |
|||
| Sons of The Sea || Republic of Singapore Navy || - |
|||
|- |
|||
| The Medics of The Field || SAF Medical Corps || Lyrics by Dr Cheong San Than; Dr Koh Eng Kheng |
|||
|- |
|||
| With Pride We Lead || Specialist Cadet School || Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
|||
|} |
|||
== External links == |
|||
* |
* [http://www.mindef.gov.sg/safband Singapore Armed Forces Band] |
||
* [https://m.facebook.com/singaporearmedforcesband/ SAF Band Facebook Page] |
|||
*Head, Joint Manpower Department, Singapore Armed Forces: ''Colonel Peter Wee'' |
|||
* [http://www.mindef.gov.sg/ Ministry of Defence, Singapore] |
|||
*Senior Director of Music/Commanding Officer, Singapore Armed Forces Bands: ''Major Philip Tng'' |
|||
*Director of Music (Central Band): ''Captain Chua Siong Loo'' |
|||
*Director of Music (Parade Band A): ''Captain Johnson Lee'' |
|||
*Director of Music (Parade Band B): ''Lieutenant Steven Tan'' |
|||
*Chief Instructor (Training Wing): ''Captain Muhd Yusri B M Ali'' |
|||
*Regimental Sergeant Major: ''2WO Abdul Razak B M Noor'' |
|||
{{Singapore Armed Forces}} |
|||
==External links== |
|||
*[http://www.mindef.gov.sg/safband Singapore Armed Forces Bands] |
|||
*[http://www.mindef.gov.sg Ministry of Defence, Singapore] |
|||
[[Category:Singapore Armed Forces]] |
|||
[[Category:Military of Singapore]] |
[[Category:Military of Singapore]] |
||
[[Category:Singaporean |
[[Category:Singaporean concert bands]] |
||
[[Category:Singaporean marching bands]] |
|||
[[Category:Wind bands]] |
[[Category:Wind bands]] |
||
[[Category:Mandai]] |
|||
[[Category:Military bands]] |
|||
 |
This article does not cite any sources. Please help improve this articlebyadding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "Singapore Armed Forces Band" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (August 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| Singapore Armed Forces Central Band (SAF Band) | |
|---|---|
Emblem of the SAF Band
| |
| Active | 1994–present |
| Country |  Singapore |
| Branch | Singapore Armed Forces |
| Type | Military Band |
| Nickname(s) | SAF Band |
| Motto(s) | In Harmony |
| Colours | White and Red |
| Commanders | |
| Senior Director of Music | ME6 Philip Tng Liat Peng |
| Regimental Sergeant Major | ME3 Lim Wee Beng Gilbert |
The Singapore Armed Forces Band (commonly known as the SAF Band) form the musical arm of the Singapore Armed Forces. Consisting of the SAF Central Band and the SAF Ceremonial Band, the SAF Band provides musical support for key events such as the National Day Parade, SAF Day Parade, Passing Out Parades, Change of Command Parades and other military duties. Other than discharging ceremonial duties, the SAF Band also presents public concerts that aim to bring a wide range of music to the populace. They also seek to build up the band's music repertoire into an extensive array of styles and variety.
Singapore's military music would begin a year before it became self-governing. The formation of the Singapore Military Forces Staff Band on 1 June 1958 spelled the beginning of the nation's love affair with military bands. From this core group of 45 musicians would come five generations of military musicians from the country’s armed services.
WO1 Frederick Roy, the 15th/19th Hussars bandmaster became the first Director of Music of the SMFSB, a duty he did until 1962. The band's main duty then was as musical support to the Singapore Infantry Regiment's activities. One of his young musicians, SSGT Abdullah Ahmad, was sent to the Royal Military School of Music for further training, later becoming a warrant officer upon graduating. The band's first composition, the Singapore Infantry Regiment March, later became the Singapore Army's official march.
Lt. Edward Crowcroft of the York and Northumberland Brigade Band succeeded WO1 Roy in September 1962 as Bandmaster and Director of Music. By November, it became the Singapore Infantry Regiment Band, and WO1 Arthur Edward Hollowell, DOM of the Band of the Parachute Brigade, replaced Lt. Crowcroft. He became a captain by the commission and led the band to its first overseas visit in 1964: the band's visit to Kuala Lumpur as part of the Independence Day Parade on 31 August that year.
A year after, WO1 Ahmad was appointed the Singapore Armed Forces Director of Music, becoming a lieutenant, and later as captain. He led the new SIR Band to the very first National Day Parade on the Padang the following year. By 1968, the band made its first recording under his direction. By that time now LTA Ahmad was also responsible for the Band of the People' Defence Force, the official band of the armed forces' volunteer component. After different names, the band was dissolved in 1974 and personnel were given to the other bands.
At the same time, the Band of the Singapore Armed Forces was formed, with joint headquarters with the SIR Band at HQ 1 Singapore Infantry Btn., Beach Road Camp. They both later moved to HQ 3 SIB at Ulu Pandan Camp and later at 5 SIB at Portsdown Camp, and by 1972, the latter band was led by a Republic of Singapore Police officer, WO1 Ervin Dragon.
By January the next year, a new band, the NSF (National Service-Full-time) Band, was formed at Telok Pagu Camp at Changi. WO2 Alan Teo became its first conductor.
May saw the first name change for the bands. They were renamed as
Alan Teo, by then a captain, left the DOM post at 2 SIB band by July that year, to join the then newly created SAF Music and Drama Company. Tonni Wei, then a sergeant and playing with one of the bands, was then studying at the Royal Military School of Music, graduating in October 1976 to become the bandmaster of 2 SIB Band, was commissioned as a second lieutenant (2LT)
In 1975, the 3 SIB Band soon moved to Jurong Camp, the 3rd Division headquarters.
In January 1977, Tonni Wei joined the MDC and Alan Teo returned to his old post. By February, 3 SIB Band became the SIR Band yet again, and Teo joined the now renamed Band of the Republic of Singapore Navy-the former 2 SIB Band-to Sembawang Camp and the RSN School of Naval Training. The SIR Band would later relocate itself at Jurong Camp that May. Peter Yan, then a musician sergeant with the army, and a part of the SIR Band, was then studying at Uxbridge at the RAF School of Music for Director of Music training. He graduated the next year and soon joined the RSN Band as its director.
CPT Ahmad retired from his post in May 1979.
In 1981, SGT Terry Seah Cheong Lock, who started his military music career earlier in 1975 with the Singapore Armoured Regiment Band, returned to Singapore from the UK after graduating from the Royal Air Force School of Music in England. He was commissioned as an officer upon his return, as well as being appointed the new Director of Music of SIR Band. CPT Terry Seah Cheong Lock led the band for 13 years, up to 1994.
As the 1980s progressed the public image of the bands was positive indeed, reinforced with increased participation of the service bands in the NDP and major military events such as the Open Houses as well as their concerts. By 1982, the SAR Band (4SIB Band) was soon relaunched as the Republic of Singapore Air Force Band, and would later move to Tengah Air Base. The SIR Band was also relaunched as the Singapore Army Band, but the band's new name and image never caught on. In 1986 the RSN Band welcomed its first lady musician. Their first appearance together in the NDP was in 1987's edition in the Padang conducted by the SAF's first Senior Director of Music MAJ Erwin Dragon, with another joint performance in 1990. 1988 saw the rebirth of the SAF Music Board and the formation of the SAF Symphonic Wind Band.
The SAF Band was formed in 1994 from men and women of the Singapore Infantry Regiment Band, Republic of Singapore Air Force Band and Republic of Singapore Navy Band. The formation of SAF Band come in a restructuring of the bands within the Ministry of Defence for more effective distribution of manpower. From 1994, the different bands within the SAF Band operated at different camps and locations. The SAF Central Band and SAF Band HQ(RSNB) were by the time of the merger in Tanglin Camp, Parade Band B (RSAFB) in Tengah Airbase and Parade Band A (SIRB) in Pasir Laba Camp, as they formerly represented the three branches of the SAF before their 1994 merger which resulted to these bands playing for the SAF at various events, including their participation in the National Day Parade as regular participants and arrival honours ceremonies at the Istana. These sections combined in November 2003 after the completion of renovations work to the 'White House', the former British Officers’ Mess in Nee Soon Camp.
In 2009, the Parade Bands were renamed as the SAF Ceremonial Band to reflect their duties more accurately.
The logo of SAF Band is a combination of the three services within the armed forces. Light blue signifies the air division, red signifies the land division and deep blue signifies the sea division. They are all united within the lyre, which is a universal symbol of military musicians. The logo is topped with the National Coat of Arms which was launched on 3 December 1959 together with the National Flag and National Anthem at the installation of the Yang di-Pertuan Negara at the City Hall steps and adopted by government agencies nationwide. Below the logo is a banner inscribed with the Band's motto, "In Harmony". The logo was designed by MAJ Tonni Wei and SSG Goh Poh Wah.
The unit is made up the SAF Band HQ and two operational bands: the SAF Central Band and the SAF Ceremonial Band.
The SAF Band HQ is led by Senior Director of Music, ME6 Philip Tng and Regimental Sergeant Major, ME3 Gilbert Lim.
The SAF Central Band was formed during the merger of the tri-service bands in 1994 to serve as the premier band of the Singapore Armed Forces. Staffed by professional military musicians, the SAF Central Band provides top-notch musical support to all major State and SAF functions, parades and ceremonies. As the premier band of the SAF, the SAF Central Band is often seen at the Istana, performing for Presidential events and Welcome Ceremonies for visiting foreign dignitaries.
Recognised as one of the most prolific military bands in the world, the SAF Central Band delivers performances in various capacities. Other than being a wind orchestra, the band also plays the role of a marching display band and a ceremonial band. The band often reconfigures itself into other smaller groups, including chamber and jazz ensembles.
An integral part of the National Day Parade, the SAF Central Band also regularly performs at the Esplanade Concert Hall through its annual 'In Harmony' and ‘Chamber Repertory’ concert series. Thus far, the SAF Central Band has collaborated with many distinguished conductors, composers and soloists, including Allan McMurray, Douglas Bostock, Frank Ticheli, Evelyn Glennie, Jan Van der Roost, Toshio Akiyama, Yasuhide Ito, Eric Whitacre, Hardy Mertens , Philip Sparke, James Barnes, Steven Mead and Tsung Yeh.
As musical ambassadors of Singapore and the SAF, the SAF Central Band have been invited to perform in numerous countries, including Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, Scotland, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States of America, with its varied performances well received by audiences and organisers worldwide.
Through musical excellence, the SAF Central Band projects the professionalism of the Singapore Armed Forces and rouses the spirit of the nation in peacetime and war. Through its international reach and captivating performances, the SAF Central Band generates goodwill and strengthens defence relations with foreign armed forces.
Since it was created on the basis of the Band of the Republic of Singapore Navy (created 1969 as the Armed Forces Band), the Central Band continues its lineage.
Made up of Full-time National Servicemen (NSF) and Operationally-Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), the SAF Ceremonial Band supports the monthly Istana Changing of the Guards Ceremony, Specialist Cadet School (SCS) Graduation Parade, Officer Cadet School (OCS) Commissioning Parades, Guard of Honour (GOH) Parades for visiting dignitaries and other internal SAF ceremonies. The Ceremonial Band's two sections continue the heritage of the bands of the Singapore Infantry Regiment and the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
The SAF Band had also represented Singapore at international music festivals. These include:
| Title | Event | Composer / arranger |
|---|---|---|
| President Fanfare | Presidential Fanfare | Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
| PM Fanfare | Prime Minister Fanfare | Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
| Salute No.1 | Head of State Salute | Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
| Salute No.2 | Prime Minister Salute | Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
| Salute No.3 | Minister Salute | Peter Yan P. T |
| Salute No.4 | Chief of Defence Salute | Ervin E. Dragon |
| Salute No.5 | Service Chief Salute | Terry Seah Cheong Lock |
| Salute No.6 | Reviewing Officer Salute – Military reviewing officer of general rank including foreign ambassadors | Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
| Salute No.7 | SAF Salute – Senior military officers of colonel rank and below | A. Abdullah Sumardi |
| NS 45 Salute | Used in NDP 2012 to pay tribute to national servicemen of the past and present | Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
| Advance in Review Order | SAF Day | Chua Siong Loo |
| Title | Event | Composer / Arranger |
|---|---|---|
| Honour and Glory | Various Parades, SAF Commando Formation, Trooping of Colors | Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
| Pride, Discipline and Honour | Various Parades, SAF Military Police Command, Trooping of Colors | Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
| Standing Victorious | Various Parades | Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
| Title | Unit | Composer / Arranger |
|---|---|---|
| Tentera Singapura | Singapore Armed Forces | A. Abdullah Sumardi |
| Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) March | Singapore Air Force | Ervin E Dragon |
| Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) March | Singapore Navy | Alan Teo Chwee Lye |
| Singapore Infantry Regiment (SIR) March | Singapore Army | F. W. Roy |
| The Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) March | Digital and Intelligence Service | ME2 Dax Wilson Liang |
| Marching with Pride | Tri-Service | Erwin E. Dragon |
| Upwards and Onwards | Singapore Navy | Arranged by Peter Yan P. T.; Edited by Muhammad Yusri |
| Bandstand | SAF Band | Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
| Bergerak | SAF Combat Engineers | A. Abdullah Sumardi |
| Berjuang | SAF Signals | - |
| Guard of Honour March | GOH Contingents | Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
| Pride of Our Nation | Arranged by Tonni Wei Shi Ren; Edited by Philip Tng Liat Peng | |
| Spot On | SAF Military Police Command | Ervin E. Dragon |
| The Commandos | SAF Commando Formation | A. Abdullah Sumardi; Arranged and Edited by Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
| The Logisticians | SAF Logistics | - |
| We are One | Singapore Infantry | Music and Lyrics by Yeo Kai Loon; Arranged by Tan Aik Kee |
| We are One | Singapore Infantry | Music and Lyrics by Yeo Kai Loon; Arranged by Tonni Wei Shi Ren; Edited by Philip Tng Liat Peng |
| We are One 128 | Singapore Infantry | Music and Lyrics by Yeo Kai Loon; Arranged by Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
| We are Ready | National Cadet Corps | Arranged by Tonni Wei Shi Ren |
| Title | Event | Composer / Arranger |
|---|---|---|
| Majulah Singapura | SCGP POP, OCS Commissioning, SAF Day, NDP | Music by Zubir Said; Arranged by Phoon Yew Tien; Transcribed by Philip Tng Liat Peng |
| A Nation's March | NDP 2012 | Syawaludin Kassim |
| A Triumphant Spirit | Various NDPs | Syawaludin Kassim |
| For The People for the Nation | Various Parades | Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
| March of the Blue Berets | Various Parades | Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
| Munneru Valiba | OCS Commissioning | Traditional |
| Negara Kita | OCS Commissioning | Terry Seah Cheong Lock |
| Officer of The Day | COG Ceremony | R.B. Hall; Arranged by Norman Richardson |
| One in Unity | NDP 2013 | Johnson Lee Kah Hee, Joshua Low |
| Our Country Our Home | NDP 2014 | Johnson Lee Kah Hee, Joshua Low |
| Point of War | National Day Parade | Traditional |
| Reach Out for the Skies | Various Parades | Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
| Salute to the Nation | NDP 1994, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2011, 2019 | - |
| To Mount with Loyalty | Various Parades | Tan Aik Kee |
| Training To Be Soldiers | BMTC POP | Arranged by Sin Jin How |
| Trust Me Singapore | OCS Commissioning | Ervin E. Dragon |
| Untuk Rakyat Dan Negara | Arranged by Terry Seah Cheong Lock | |
| We Are Singapore | Tan Aik Kee | |
| We The People of Singapore / Our Homeland | NDP 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018 | Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
| Will You? | Various Parades | Music and Lyrics by Jimmy Ye; Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
| Dead March from Saul | Military Funerals | George Frideric Handel; Arranged by J. Hartmann |
| Laid to Rest | Military Funerals | Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
| Title | Event | Composer / Arranger |
|---|---|---|
| The SAF Dream | Various Parades | Music & Lyrics by ME2 Dax Wilson Liang |
| APGCians Marching On | Air Power Generation Command (APGC) | Lyrics by MAJ Chan Chin Ann; ME4 Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
| Officer Cadet School Song | Officer Cadet School | Arranged by Tan Yan Zhang |
| Sons of The Sea | Republic of Singapore Navy | - |
| The Medics of The Field | SAF Medical Corps | Lyrics by Dr Cheong San Than; Dr Koh Eng Kheng |
| With Pride We Lead | Specialist Cadet School | Johnson Lee Kah Hee |
