Muhamad Yusri

I just realised that it has been 5 years since I have left the Army Band. It only occurred to me when an ex-colleague announced that he was doing his last Changing of the Guards deployment at the Istana. Do I regret leaving when I could have stayed?

When I first came back from my studies, the then Chairman of the SAF Music Board led a retreat to craft the Vision and Mission Statements of the SAF Band. We set timelines and goals that needed to be met. I think it is safe to say that COL (DR) Richard Tan would be proud of the achievements of the SAF Band since that day. It was shared recently that the SAF Central Band will be performing at the Virginia International Tattoo. You can read about it here: https://goo.gl/D2T3R8  You can see snapshots of the 2016 edition of the Tattoo here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk3Ls8P3v5 I hope America will see the band and Singapore as a shining example of a country made up of many different races and religion living in peace and harmony. An example that they could possible learn from.

My fondest memories of the SAF Central Band was when we travelled to Bremen, Germany in 2011. It was an amazing show and musically, the band was amazing too! I must really thank the creative minds behind the show especially Alan Kartik, who incidentally, is now in the Singapore Symphony Orchestra! I am so proud of his achievements. Hafis Amron is in my opinion one of the best Drum Majors in the World and a Singapore treasure! Indulge me as I post the Bremen Show of 2011 for your enjoyment.

Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtJC5sjCnX4

Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTy0R5FOsdI

The addition of the Military Police Silent Precision Drill Squad (SPDS) has increased the possibilities even more! The band’s show in Edinburgh in 2014 is testament of the potential for the SAF Band and Singapore. Spectacular show!

Let’s all be proud of the SAF Central Band, SAF MDC Artists and the SPDS and wish them every success in Virginia, USA!