SAF BANDS AND US "PRESIDENT'S OWN" TO PERFORM TOGETHER

In a momentous tie-up, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Central Band will be performing with musicians from the United States Marine Band at a concert on 19 Nov.

The six visiting musicians, from "The President's Own" - a title that the Marine Band, through its tradition of musical excellence, had earned from former President Thomas Jefferson - are the first musicians from the US Marine Band to perform in Asia. They are led by conductor, Colonel (COL) Michael J Colburn.

The concert, the 24th in the SAF Central Band's 'In Harmony' series of concerts, is timed to serve as a fitting conclusion to the celebration of 50 years of military music services in Singapore.

Incidentally, this year also marks the 210th anniversary of the US Marine Band, which was established by an Act of Congress on 11 Jul 1798. The President's Own has performed for every US President since John Adams in 1801, and at every Presidential Inauguration since Thomas Jefferson later that year.

With a rich history of over two centuries under its belt, the US Marine Band stands as America's oldest professional musical organisation.

Rather than being intimidated by the challenge, the 60-piece Singapore military band is motivated to learn from its guests.

Said Captain (CPT) Steven Tan, one of the Directors of Music and a conductor of the SAF Central Band: "We were all very impressed with COL Colburn's conducting. It's a great opportunity to work with the masters of their instruments, and this can only benefit our own musicians."

COL Colburn called the collaboration an "enjoyable" one, that "bodes well for the future" between both musical organisations.

He revealed that the concert's repertoire was selected after much careful consideration. As guest conductor, he chose pieces that he felt mirrored a typical Marine Band concert, including songs from American composers.

The concert will also feature 'Celebration', by Philip Sparke - the first piece that CPT Tan will be conducting at the concert - which represents the coming together of bands.

He added: "This piece represents both the virtuosity of the musicians and the recognition that when musicians play towards a common goal, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."

The SAF Bands will also perform 'Three Portraits for Symphonic Band' by local composer, Dr Kelly Tang. This piece was commissioned by the Bands to celebrate 50 years of military music services. It consists of Fanfare, Chorale and March, with the Chorale taking its melodic line from Singapura.

The concert will be held on Wednesday, 19 Nov, at the Esplanade Concert Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets are complimentary and can be reserved by calling 6477-2795.

For any additional information, please visit the SAF Central Band website at https://www.mindef.gov.sg/safband/.