| 1925 |
The Singapore Police Force Band was formed in 1925 and was known as ‘The 2nd Straits Settlements Police Band' then. Mr. F. E. Minns, an officer of the 2nd Sussex Regiment Band that was stationed in Singapore at Tanglin Barracks was appointed as the first Bandmaster of the Band. |
The first batch of bandsmen were recruited directly from the British and Indian Regimental Bands in India as there were very few locals at that time that could read music. |
The band that was subsequently formed comprised 33 bandsmen who were all either Punjabis or Sikhs and consisted of a single Side Drum, a Bass Drum, an 11-piece Woodwind Section and a 20-piece Brass Section. |
1935 |
Mr. J. Hitch succeeded Mr. F. E. Minns as Bandmaster of the Band. Hitch's service was abruptly interrupted in 1942 when, during the Second World War, the Japanese occupied Singapore. |
1945 |
When Singapore was liberated in 1945, the Band was renamed ‘The Singapore Police Force Band'. This was when local bandsmen were first enlisted. |
1950 |
Mr. J. Hitch retired and Mr. R.E. House was appointed as the next bandmaster. The Band had a total strength of 32 bandsmen and 20 boy learners. |
1957 |
The Singapore Police Force Band's strength had grown to 56 and was composed of 75 percent Malay bandsmen.Mr. R.E. House retired early and
joined the Police Band of Brunei as its bandmaster. |
| |
Mr. Ridzwan Salmy Bin Mulok was selected and sent on a Departmental
Scholarship to the United Kingdom to undergo the 3 year Bandmaster course at Kneller Hall. |
1958 |
Mr. J. E. Boyle was transferred from the Prisons Service to serve as the Police Band's next Bandmaster. |
1960 |
Mr. J.E. Boyle's retired and Mr. Ridzwan Salmy Bin Mulok became the first local Bandmaster, marking the beginning of a new era for the Police Band. |
1962 |
Mr. Idris Mohd Yusof was one of the first ten boys that were eventually enlisted on 2 February 1962. |
1963 |
Singapore merged with Malaysia and the Band came to be known as ‘The Royal Malaysia Police Band, Singapore '. 1986 - With the retirement of Mr. Ridzwan Mulok, Mr. Idris Mohd Yusof was appointed as the Director of Music. 1991 - Mr. Idris Mohd Yusof led the Combined Singapore Police Band across the famous grounds of the historic Edinburgh Castle during the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Being one of the world's most prestigious arts festivals this distinguished event draws military bands from all over the world and the participation of the Singapore Police Force Band confirms its status as an ensemble of international standard. |
1998 |
The Combined Singapore Police Force Band together with The Hong Kong Police Silver Band produced a CD aptly titled ‘Together in Harmony' in conjunction with the Singapore Police Week. |
2004 |
With the retirement of Mr. Idris Mohd Yusof, the director baton was again passed to a 3rd local director, Mr. Amri Amin |
