CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF MILITARY MUSIC SERVICES

Renowned evolutionary biologist Douglas J. Futuyma once wrote: "In the broadest sense, evolution is merely change and so is all-pervasive; galaxies, languages, and political systems all evolve."

Likewise, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Bands has evolved throughout its 50 years of existence.

From its humble beginnings as the Singapore Military Force Staff Band in 1958, it has undergone a number of name and structural changes (see below). From 25 bandsmen and 20 trainee musicians when it first started, the SAF Bands is now 173-strong.

Some of its professional achievements and developments include starting the In Harmony series of concerts in 1994 to showcase the best that the band has to offer, and being invited to perform at the prestigious World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles at the Esplanade Concert Hall in 2005.

These milestones were highlighted by Brigadier-General Tsoi Mun Heng, Chairman of the SAF Music Board, at the 50th Year of Military Music Services Dinner on 18 Jul. The event was held at the "White House", an affectionate name for the building in Nee Soon Camp which has been home to the SAF Bands since 2003.

Recapping the history and development of the band, BG Tsoi said: "The SAF Bands is well on its way in its quest to be among the world's finest wind bands."

He added that the Band would be adding one more parade band and a training wing to raise its standards and versatility.

BG Tsoi also acknowledged the efforts and contributions of pioneers such as the first Singaporean Director of Music Abdullah Sumardi and former Senior Directors of Music Ervin Dragon and Tonni Wei.

To commemorate the occasion, Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Desmond Kuek, unveiled a bronze sculpture of a military bugler.

Musical memories

Major (Retired) Tonni Wei, who was among the guests that night, said: "Through the years, what has been wonderful to see is the professional development of the musicians, from assembling Full-time National Servicemen who came from school bands to now having proper career development, and a professional standing within the Singapore music scene, not just within the SAF."

MAJ (Ret) Wei, who was with the band and the SAF Music and Drama Company from 1973 to 2000, rose from a private soldier playing the trombone to the top position of Senior Director of Music.

One of his memorable times with the band was performing at the silver jubilee of the Sultan of Brunei's ascension to the throne. MAJ (Ret) Wei said: "We really did the nation proud by putting up a fantastic show and that was on the world stage."

Now, semi-retired in London, he works as a musical examiner with the London College of Music.

MAJ (Ret) Wei recalled an occasion when he came to Singapore as an examiner in 2004 and realised that one of the diploma exam candidates was a former member of the SAF Bands. He said: "It's wonderful to see that the bands have produced people who continue to make music their life, even after they leave the SAF."

One person who chose to incorporate music into her life is Ms Ong Mei Nah, who played the oboe when she was with the SAF Bands from 2002 to 2005. She had worked as an interior designer for three years before deciding to leave her profession to become a full-time musician with the band. Ms Ong explained: "I don't want to regret in my life that I didn't spend time with music."

Ms Ong also has the honour of being the band's first female drum major, the leader of the marching band who gives commands with a mace. While she has now returned to working in interior design, she has "no regrets" about spending four years of her life with the band.

Ms Ong said of her vision for the band: "I hope to see them involved in more international events and more overseas performances."

Timeline

1958:
Singapore Military Force Staff Band was formed.

1962:
The original SMF Staff Band became the Singapore Infantry Regiment Band.

1970:
Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Band was formed.

1973:
Full-time National Service (NSF) Band was formed.

1973:
Renamed 3rd Singapore Infantry Brigade (3 SIB) Band.
SAF Band renamed 4th Singapore Armoured Brigade (SAB) Band.
NSF Band renamed 2nd Singapore Infantry Brigade (2 SIB) Band.

1977:
3 SIB Band renamed SIR Band again.
SAB Band renamed Singapore Armoured Regiment (SAR) Band.
2 SIB Band became Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Band.

1982:
SIR Band renamed Republic of Singapore Army (RSA) Band.
SAR Band became the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Band.

1983:
RSA Band renamed SIR Band yet again. By this time, the Bands were consolidated into three Service Bands - one each for the Army, Navy and Air Force.

1987:
A new post, the Senior Director of Music of the SAF, was created.

1988:
Lieutenant-Colonel Tan Kim Siew, now Permanent Secretary (Defence Development), became the first Chairman of the SAF Music Board. An SAF Symphonic Wind Band was formed to perform public concerts.

1994:
The structure of the SAF Bands today came into being, with two parade bands for the ceremonial functions of the SAF, and a Central Band. The In Harmony series of concerts was started.

2003:
The band moved into the "White House".

2005:
The Central Band was invited to perform at the prestigious World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles.

2008:
The SAF Bands celebrates 50 Years of Military Music Services.