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Singapore Armed Forces Band

SAF Ceremonial Band

The SAF Ceremonial Band comprises full-time and operationally ready National Servicemen (NSF and NSmen), and is often seen at the monthly Istana Changing of Guards Ceremonies, Change of Command Parades, as well as Commissioning Parades of the Officer Cadet School.

Last updated 24 November 2025
Logo of the Singapore Armed Forces Ceremonial Band in black, featuring crest and crossed instruments.

With the restructuring of the Service Bands in 1994, the Singapore Infantry Regiment Band, the Republic of Singapore Air Force Band and the Republic of Singapore Navy Band, were renamed as the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Ceremonial Band A, Ceremonial Band B, and Central Band respectively. A third ceremonial band, Ceremonial Band C, was formed in 2009 to aid the other bands in providing quality music support during parades and ceremonies within the SAF. After eight years of service, the musicians were eventually redistributed back to one ceremonial band for more effective manpower management.

Military band in white ceremonial uniforms marches with instruments and conductor leading in front.

Today, the SAF Ceremonial Band continues to play a vital role in upholding the ceremonial traditions of the SAF. Its duties include providing musical support to official events like the Officer Cadet School Commissioning Parades and Guard-of-Honour Parades for military diplomatic visits. The band is also deployed to other internal SAF ceremonies such as Anniversary and Change of Command parades.

The Ceremonial Band is most publicly seen marching down Orchard Road for the Istana Changing of Guards Ceremony. Musicians of the SAF Ceremonial Band also play an active role in deployments like the National Day Parade and the SAF Day Parade. The highlight of the band is its Bandstand Concert, an annual public showcase since 2013. This provides a meaningful platform for musically-trained servicemen to contribute to National Service through music, projecting the discipline and professionalism of the SAF.

Band conductor in uniform conducting the band in an outdoor settings.

Comprising Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs), and augmented by Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) for select deployments, the band is led by Director of Music ME5 Steven Tan. Members of the Ceremonial Band have earned the Musician Badge following a rigorous two-month course of tests. This course, known as the Basic Military Musician Course, comprises music theory, practical showmanship as well as military drills training, to ensure that a proficient level of military musicianship is met for active deployment.

In accordance with prevailing manpower policies, only servicemen assessed and posted to non-combat vocations may be considered for placement in the SAF Ceremonial Band. Combat-fit servicemen are not eligible for this posting, regardless of musical background or interest.