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The Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) Music and Drama Company's (MDC's) maiden performance in July 1973 saw Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) performing sketches which depicted army life. Today, the team includes artistes, musicians and technical crew, and continues to move to the groove, boosting soldiers' morale through entertainment.

"Can you show me contemporary? How about ballet? Show me the first position," MDC's production services manager Yang Hai Yan says to 21-year-old Private (PTE) Tang Jun Ji, who was auditioning to be an artiste with the company.

PTE Tang proceeds to align his feet and straighten his legs under the watchful eye of Ms Yang, one of the three judges evaluating the recruits for their abilities in dancing, singing, hosting and acting.

The recruits get a taste of what it's like to be under public scrutiny for, perhaps, their first time.

In front of the judges, who are themselves seasoned performers, they have to display talent, versatility and that certain X-factor to connect with their audience.

More importantly, said Captain (CPT) (NS) James Yang, who is MDC's artistic manager: "We're looking for a good attitude and willingness to learn and go the extra mile."

Ten to 70 recruits participate at each of the auditions which are held every quarter. Of the 28 recruits who auditioned that Saturday, PTE Tang was one of the two who made it through the stringent selection process. His earnestness and sincerity during the audition, coupled with strong fundamentals in dance, were what won the judges over, said CPT (NS) Yang.

Grooming and training

The artistes, together with the musicians who play in the Modern Chinese Instrumental Ensemble, String Ensemble, Jazz and Rock bands, are put through the paces from the moment they start in MDC.

They are first exposed to working with different talents, a step CPT (NS) Yang believes to be important: "Our young artistes have to learn to work with others who are as talented and as capable, and sometimes that means putting their egos at bay, especially when there are performances that require only one person."

Next, they learn to hone their craft through each performance, a moulding process that is essential for these artistes and musicians who make it their business to wow crowds at over 400 events each year. These include the National Day and Chingay parades, as well as regular performances at the Istana for foreign dignitaries.

"The artistes and musicians are constantly performing on stage for the public. So they have to learn to be critical of themselves before the audience is critical of them," said CPT (NS) Yang.

The artistes and musicians are also tutored by professionals in the industry, such as dance instructor Carol Cheong and vocal coach John Lee.

Boosting morale

Whether it is a two-man hosting gig at a unit's anniversary celebrations or the quarterly Recruits' Night show at the Basic Military Training Centre schools which involves the whole company, MDC works hard at boosting soldiers' morale through song and dance.

"It's the same mission from Day One to today. MDC was formed for the SAF and that has not changed. Whether our customers are from the SAF or external agencies, their expectations are ever-changing. At the end of the day, we want to show our customers that we are professional and committed," said Major (MAJ) (Ret) Tay Soon Huat, Head (Covering) MDC of the company's role.

Founded in May 1973 by the late Dr Goh Keng Swee when he was Defence Minister, MDC's first public performance was held at the Kreta Ayer People's Theatre in July that same year. Called the "Army Road Show", 80 NSFs put up short sketches depicting army life and performed military songs from both Singapore and various other countries.

Staying new and fresh



In 1998, MDC was given more autonomy in areas such as recruitment and creative direction.



For example, Assistant Manager of Music Stephen Ortega had envisioned the formation of a mini-orchestra, "a jazz band with a string line at the back delivering a very sophisticated kind of music." The 12-man enhanced band was put together and is now a favourite at events like the Officer Cadet Course commissioning parade.



The 50-year-old, who has been with MDC for the last 11 years, said: "Each year, we look for new products, new ideas and new combinations so that we can deliver something fresh. People are surprised at the level of maturity of our musicians and our clients' feedback is that they are impressed with our professionalism, from the way we run the show to the performances."



Boasting illustrious alumni that include household names like Dick Lee, Gurmit Singh, Glen Goei and Najip Ali, MDC also performs for audiences in countries where the SAF participates in military exercises.



For example, they have performed in the town of Rockhampton in Queensland, Australia, as part of Exercise Wallaby, the annual SAF exercise held in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, to thank the hosts for their hospitality and to strengthen relations between the Singaporeans and Australians.



For 20-year-old NSF Joel Chua who plays the keyboards, one thing keeps him going when fatigue sets in: "It's hard work transferring all the gear from MDC to the ferry terminal, then up the multi-purpose hall in Pulau Tekong (where the event is held).



"But it is very rewarding to play for the recruits and to see their excitement from that one night. MDC makes an effort to put up a really good show for the soldiers and I treasure this experience, knowing that what we do is appreciated and contributes to their welfare."



MDC's efforts are certainly not lost on the soldiers. When they performed at the 6th Singapore Division's anniversary celebrations in September 2011, they were greeted by loud cheers from the 2,500-strong crowd. PTE Hafizzudin, who was part of the audience, gave a thumbs-up to their performance. "It was excellent!" said the 19-year-old.

MDC performing Seasons of Love at the Five Power Defence Arrangements gala dinner, depicting the four major ethnic groups in Singapore through costumes, songs and dance.

Ms Yang (middle) and CPT (NS) Yang (right) listening to a recruit who was introducing himself at the start of his audition. At the auditions, recruits have to sing, dance and emcee.

"Whether our customers are from the SAF or external agencies, their expectations are ever-changing. At the end of the day, we want to show them that we are professional and committed."
- MAJ (Ret) Tay on the role of MDC