S’pore wows audiences at Düsseldorf military tattoo

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Central Band flew the Singapore flag high with an exhilarating performance at the Musikfest der Bundeswehr, Germany’s largest military tattoo, on 21 Sep.

Together with the SAF Military Police Command’s Silent Precision Drill Squad (SPDS) and dancers from the Music and Drama Company (MDC), the performers put up a show to bring Singapore to the world and showcase the discipline of the SAF. 

Here's a look at the highlights of their performance!

The Musikfest der Bundeswehr saw military bands from Jordan, Switzerland, Scotland, Germany and Singapore coming together in an exchange of cultures, heritage and musical skills.

The word “tattoo” is thought to derive from the Dutch phrase “tap toe”, used to order bar owners to turn off the tap of their beer kegs so soldiers could return to their barracks. It later evolved to refer to a ceremonial form of evening entertainment performed by military musicians.

Today, military tattoos are held around the world, with international military bands coming together to perform and build friendships.

The SAF Central Band serenading audiences with National Day favourite songs like Where I Belong, Singai Naadu and Di Tanjong Katong.

“It’s especially important for us to be in Germany this year, because it’s a really special year for German-Singaporean relations. This is the cherry on the cake, for SAF Central Band to be performing in Germany for our German friends, but also side-by-side with many of our counterparts from other countries,” said Director of Music Military Expert (ME) 5 Ignatius Wang (pictured above).

The 34-year-old hoped that the performance would wow audiences from both Germany and Singapore: “Every time we perform overseas, we want to present the Singapore Story and show that we are multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural, but ultimately showing our common identity as Singaporeans.

“For the Singaporeans living in Germany who are coming to see us, I hope that our performance can make them feel closer to home. At the same time, we want our German friends to have a lasting impression of what Singapore is about.”

You can call ME3 Ang Yi Xiang (pictured above) a military tattoo veteran – the 37-year-old has participated in countless tattoos all over the world since his very first one in China, in 2009.

He has also been involved in various capacities such as show choreographer, seeing where the performers stand and how they move in formation.

Now the band’s concert master, he has the added responsibility of acting as a conduit between the conductor and musicians, as well as upholding the etiquette and decorum when the band is at the parade square or in the concert hall.

“I’ve enjoyed being able to share my experience and tips, whether it’s how to overcome the nerves or helping the seniors to guide the first-timers.

“With musicians of varied experience and skills, the challenge is in bridging the gap between the veterans and new musicians, and making sure that everyone is on the same level in the performance,” said ME3 Ang, who is also a saxophonist.

The musicians also paid tribute to their host country by playing the German folk song, Kein schöner Land in dieser Zeit (No Country More Beautiful In This Time).

Military musicians play a unique role on the international stage, said ME3 Ang.

“As military musicians, we have a unique role. When we put on the uniform and play (music), it’s not just about the performance, but about the image we portray.

“When the audience is impressed by the show, we project the professionalism of the SAF – if the musicians are like that, it says a lot about the SAF as a whole, and about Singapore. We want to up our game so that we represent Singapore and the SAF well.”

The audience cheering for the performers. When the SAF Central Band played Kein schöner Land in dieser Zeit (No Country more Beautiful in this Time), the entire dome erupted in song as the crowd sang along to this beloved tune.

Mr Lee Chong Hock (pictured above, left), Singapore’s Ambassador to Germany, and his wife, Ms Sharen Sim (pictured above, right), were present at the second show of the night.

“The bands we saw today are all of a very high standard, and we showed that we are among the best in the world.

“It shows that we are respected by other forces and are a very valuable part of the network of friends that they have. We stand very high (next to other militaries), and show we are up there together with the rest,” said Mr Lee.

This was Ms Sim’s first time watching a military tattoo, and she was enthralled by the performance: “I loved seeing the uniforms, the dancers, and the SPDS, as well as the selection of music – it was like seeing home and a slice of the National Day Parade, but right here. I feel very proud!”

The SPDS wowed the crowd with their razor-sharp footwork and spinning flares. This year marks the SPDS’ return to the military tattoo after a five-year hiatus.

The SPDS team has much to be proud of – 11 of the 12 performers are Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs), and the entire team is performing at a military tattoo for the first time.

3rd Sergeant (3SG) Denis Vincent (pictured above) is the only Regular in the SPDS team, although he, too, enlisted just a year ago!

The 22-year-old section commander is honoured that the SPDS has been invited back to perform with the SAF Central Band, and is happy for the chance to showcase the SPDS to the world.

“Not everyone knows about Singapore’s SPDS platoon, we are usually only seen at the Istana Changing of Guards Ceremony or the National Day Parade.

“Even other countries are surprised to learn about SPDS, so we’re not just representing the SAF and MP Command but Singapore as well,” said 3SG Denis.

The team also enjoyed meeting and interacting with their international counterparts at the tattoo: “The Jordanians and Germans were impressed by our drills, and we got to exchange pointers and learn from each other.

“We’re (also) the only ones here using rifles with pyros, so they were impressed!”

MDC dancers showing off their moves in their costumes that were inspired by Singapore’s multi-racial culture. In every tattoo, the costumes are designed to represent each of the races, and have become a welcomed sight at Singapore’s tattoo performances.

Creative Director of MDC Andy Cai (pictured above, second from left) has had a long and interesting relationship with military tattoos – he first performed in 2008 in Quebec, Canada, when he was a NSF in MDC!

He returned to the tattoo in Virginia last year, as MDC’s choreographer.

“I’ve seen how the tattoo has evolved: the choreography is more complex now and more closely integrated with the band.

“Last time, we simply danced in front of the band. Now, the movements must be well-thought through to keep the performers safe, especially since some are holding big instruments.”

The 40-year-old is heartened to find out that MDC’s performers have left a lasting impression on those in the tattoo circle: “During the rehearsals, some performers and organisers from the various countries came up and told us they remembered our performances from the past and couldn’t wait to see what we would be putting up this time around.

“It makes me proud to know that people notice all of our talents.”

“I hope the audience enjoyed our performance and through the show, come to appreciate our multiculturalism and diversity. I hope it will also give people who have never been to Singapore an interesting impression of us,” said MDC artiste Shauna Caroline Santa Maria (pictured above, centre, in green).

The 34-year-old also performed with the SAF Central Band at last year’s military tattoo in Virginia, United States.

ME2 Yuru Lee (pictured above) may be a seasoned orchestral musician, but this is his first time performing in a military tattoo. The experience has been a refreshing one for the percussionist, who played the bass drum at the show.

“It’s my first time performing in such a huge dome and I was trying hard to find my bearings and marks, but I got the hang of it!

The 29-year-old is one of the newest members of the band, having signed on just this January!

A classical percussionist who had worked with musical organisations like the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, he has enjoyed the challenge of becoming a military musician.

“Musically, it’s familiar ground. But on top of this, we need be physically fit to keep up with the foot drills, execute the choreography well, and uphold the image of the SAF by making sure everything runs smoothly.”