Meet SSSgt Muhammad Faisal Banjuwi – the SPF Band’s drum major for this year’s National Day Parade!
By: Teh Ru Xin
2025 not only marks the 60th birthday of Singapore, but also the 100th year of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Band. To commemorate this occasion, we meet up with the drum major of the SPF Band for this year’s National Day Parade (NDP), Senior Staff Sergeant (SSSgt) Muhammad Faisal Banjuwi, to hear his thoughts regarding this historic milestone!
From the Trumpet to Leadership
SSSgt Faisal’s journey to the SPF Band began with an unexpected turn. A trumpet player since secondary school, he auditioned for the Band only to find the trumpet section full.
It turned out to be a blessing in disguise – he was given the opportunity to learn a new instrument, the clarinet. With the support of the Band’s management and his section-mates, he quickly adapted and mastered the instrument. “That closed door opened another one," he says. "Learning the clarinet taught me adaptability – a skill that serves me well as drum major today.”
In 2020, SSSgt Faisal was awarded the title of “Distinguished Honour Graduate” after completing the Drum Major Course conducted by the Singapore Armed Forces Central Band. He regards this achievement as a reflection of his dedication and leadership – qualities he continues to demonstrate in his work today.
The SPF Band: An Inside Look
In the SPF Band’s Concert Guild at the Home Team Academy, SSSgt Faisal's leadership style becomes apparent. Moving among his fellow musicians with easy confidence, he creates an atmosphere of both discipline and camaraderie.
“They’ll be taking pictures of me, so pretend to love me more,” he jokes, drawing warm laughter from his bandmates.
It’s evident that he's in his element – weaving seamlessly through the room and guiding his bandmates through their performance as the metronome ticks in the background.
Each movement is precise; each note is measured.
The Art of Command
At the heart of every performance is aligning with one’s fellow musicians, both musically and in movement. This is a drum major’s primary focus. “Leading my peers means setting the standard through example,” SSSgt Faisal shares. “This means providing clear and constructive feedback and striving for excellence while maintaining high morale.”
Before each performance, detailed movement charts guide the musicians. This preparation allows them to concentrate on a key rehearsal component called “blocking” – the process of guiding musicians through transitions between formations that demands spatial awareness and retention.
For SSSgt Faisal, the cornerstone of drum majoring is one crucial quality: commitment. “It’s the invisible thread that binds excellence, accountability and resilience,” he says. Being a drum major demands more than musical ability – it requires adaptability and the readiness to navigate uncertainty with composure.
This quality has led him through nine years of strenuous NDP rehearsals. “I’ve learnt how to tailor my guidance to each musician’s unique needs,” he explains. “This upholds consistent standards of quality and excellence.”
A Historic Return
This is SSSgt Faisal’s ninth year participating in the NDP, and his sixth time as the SPF Band’s drum major. “There’s a special energy in being back on the parade ground,” says SSSgt Faisal.
As he stands on the Padang with the rest of the Band, the significance of this year’s Parade runs deeper for him. With the SPF Band’s centennial coinciding with Singapore’s 60th year of independence, it’s a powerful reminder of the legacy they carry and the future they’re shaping.
“This year’s performance symbolises the honour of carrying forward six decades of national resilience, unity and pride,” SSSgt Faisal says. Being the drum major for this year’s NDP holds far more significance than just leading the Band on parade.
“We’re honouring those who came before us, raising the bar for those around us, and setting the tone for those who will come after,” SSSgt Faisal shares. “We stand in history, shape the present and build the future.”
Embracing Duality: Drum Major by Day, Family Man by Night
When not wielding the mace, he dedicates time to one of his greatest passions – aviation. Learning how to fly has instilled in him the ability to remain calm under pressure and anticipate challenges – skills that he actively applies in his SPF career.
On Sundays and weekday evenings, he devotes himself to his family, spending time with his wife and son. “Sundays are sacred in our household,” he says. “Whether we’re taking time to explore nature or having fun together on the PlayStation, these moments keep us grounded.”
A Century of Heritage
As the SPF Band marks its centennial, SSSgt Faisal reflects on its legacy: “Every note and step we take builds on a hundred years of service.”
Looking back on his nine years with the SPF Band, SSSgt Faisal considers joining the Band as one of the best decisions he’s made – a testament to his love for music and passion for meaningful service.
To future drum majors, his message is clear. “This role isn’t about standing in front, but about lifting the entire Band behind you,” shares SSSgt Faisal. “Your mace and sash may be symbolic, but your impact is very real.”
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