The Cadet Band however was not the first band in SFI. On February 1926, Rev. Bro. Barnitus (Bro. Director 1923-1930) formed the first band in school - SFI Scout Band. She was one of the earliest school bands in Malacca and at present, one of the still-active bands in the state. Then, Rev. Bro. Lovis "Bon Sen" reorganized it into a Cadet Band, which he personally trained and conducted. The Band consisted fifers, buglers and drummers. The Band was taken over by Rev. Bro. Leonard (Bro. Director 1956-1958) then and the music conductor was Mr. Colin Holloway. In the mid-seventies, she was restructured into a semi-brass band and in the eighties, to a full-brass band - SFI Military Band.
Since the nineties, the Band has undergone many changes both in physical numbers and character. At present, the band was self-supporting without any grants. Income of the Band derives from the generosity of the parents and friends of the members, old Franciscans and the many functions that the members have to be in attendance.
With the help of Rev. Bro. Ambrose Loke (formal Brother Director of SFI), the Band managed to set up a Bagpipe section in the year 2002. The Band was the only school band in the state that have a Bagpipe section. In the year 2003, the Band upgraded herself and changes the name - Franciscan Military Band. The Band was always in demand for parades, marches, sports and public functions. The members of the Band generally tended to dominate sports and studies also. They are members of proud, disciplined units.
The Concert
The year 1997 was a very memorable year for the Band as the Band had its first
concert. Mr. Derek Cable, who was specially invited from Singapore, conducted
the concert. The theme of the concert that night was "Night of Celebration".
The concert in year 1998 "Night of Celebration II" was held in the
school hall. Mr. Casey Koh was the conductor of the concert that night. The
Band third anniversary concert was held in the Yayasan Melaka Hall in 1999,
the concert theme being "A Night Around The World" was dedicated
the to all SFI De La Salle Brothers - past and present as an appreciation
of their care and dedication to the Band. Again in year 2000, the Band had
its 4th anniversary concert which raised funds for the SFI Primary to upgrade
the school's classroom. The Band had its 5th anniversary concert "A Journey
Together" in the Pay Fong School Hall in year 2001. It was the Diamond
Jubilee Celebration (1926-2001) for the Band. In the year 2002, the band had
its 6th anniversary concert in the school Quadrangle. The concert was also
the inauguration night of the Bagpipe section.
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