Stirring marches, soulful solos and local favourites – join the SPF Band in celebrating 100 years of “Bringing the Beat to You!”
By: Glenn Wong
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) Band marks its 100th anniversary in 2025, celebrating a century of musical excellence, public engagement and service to the nation. With the anniversary theme of “Bringing the Beat to You Since 1925,” the SPF Band is heading to the heartlands to celebrate its musical heritage with the community, starting with a performance at Toa Payoh Hub on 19 April 2025.
Kicking Off the Celebrations
The performance kicked off with the arrival of the Women Police Pipes and Drums as well as the Gurkha Contingent Pipes and Drums. Marching into the performance area, their striking uniforms and the stirring sound of bagpipes immediately captured the audience’s attention.
The opening performance was followed by a medley of classic tunes by the renowned composer John Philip Sousa. This piece was conducted by Senior Staff Sergeant (SSSgt) Muhd Rasul, who recently returned from the Royal Marines School of Music in the United Kingdom. Under his direction, the SPF Band delivered a precisely choreographed and powerful performance!
An Unforgettable Duet
Shifting the tempo and mood, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Hakim Bin Ramle and ASP Mohamad Zulkiffli Bin Selamat presented a memorable duet of Unforgettable, arranged by Toshio Mashima.
With ASP Hakim playing the flugelhorn and ASP Mohd Zulkiffli playing the trombone, their instruments blended seamlessly, weaving smooth lyrical lines that captivated the audience. This soulful and synergistic duet masterfully showcased the Band’s versatility beyond the energetic marches, for an unforgettable musical moment.
Sharing the Stage
The energy lifted again with the Radetzky March when an enthusiastic young girl from the crowd took part in the performance. Guiding the SPF Band with the conductor’s baton, she led the audience to take part in the iconic, clapping rhythms of the march.
A Familiar Rhythm
Bringing a local flavour to the performance, the Band presented Hey! Rasa Sayang Hey, an original composition arranged by the SPF’s Band Director of Music, Superintendent of Police Sulaiman Abdul Wahab. First performed in 2008, this piece holds particular significance as it was chosen by the SPF Band to represent Singapore’s musical heritage at the prestigious Edinburgh Military Tattoo that year.
The familiar energy of this piece served as a vibrant finale to the musical showcase, concluding the evening on a high note. Well done to the SPF Band!
SPF Band’s Centennial Celebration
Established in 1925, the SPF Band is celebrating 100 years of musical excellence in 2025 through a series of events leading up to a grand anniversary concert. Missed the performance at Toa Payoh Hub, or keen to see more? Visit the SPF Band microsite to stay updated on upcoming performances as part of the Band’s 100th anniversary!
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