KAD Band To Perform Over 20 Songs For National Day Parade

By Amanina Mohamad Yusof

PUTRAJAYA,  Aug 29 (Bernama) --  Looking sharp and stylish in the Malaysian Armed Forces' (MAF) green camouflage uniforms, 58 members of the Royal Armoured Corps (KAD) band will perform more than 20 patriotic songs during the National Day 2024 parade this Saturday at Dataran Putrajaya here.

Led by Lieutenant Colonel Zaiful Azman Zainul Abidin and assisted by Band Sergeant Major Warrant Officer I Madzain Medol, the band is set to enthral an estimated 200,000 visitors and distinguished guests attending the much-anticipated annual parade and procession.

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Speaking to Bernama after the full rehearsal, Madzain, who has been actively involved in the band for 22 years, shared that they will use 13 musical instruments, including bass drum, side drum, euphonium, saxophone, clarinet and cymbal.

In addition to playing military-themed tunes, the band will also perform patriotic songs such as ‘31 Ogos’, ‘Jalur Gemilang’ and ‘Keranamu Malaysia’ along with other popular crowd favourites.

Madzain noted that for this year’s National Day celebration, the band underwent two weeks of intensive training at the Sungai Besi Camp to polish their musical skills.

“What sets the KAD band apart from other bands is that our team can play music without looking at the musical score, relying solely on the conductor's baton movements,” he said.

“During the parade, we will also present various formations for the spectators' enjoyment,” he added.

He shared that his experience from a six-month drum major course at the Army Educational Corps Training College and Centre Pachmarhi in India would be utilised to assist Zaiful Azman in leading the band.

Dataran Putrajaya has been chosen for the second consecutive year under the Unity Government to host the National Day parade on Aug 31. The event will be further enlivened with a range of performances by 17,262 participants, 67 contingents, 36 bands, 534 assets from the Malaysian Army and Royal Malaysian Air Force and 100 service animals.

-- BERNAMA