[1] As with other CCAs, the programmes in Singapore school bands follow the Ministry of Education (MOE)’s CCAs guiding principles of building team spirit and responsibility, being broad-based with opportunities to specialise, being responsive to inculcating national values and skills, as well as promoting social integration.
In addition, school bands also participate in competitions at both local and international music festivals.
As they participate in competitions, students also learn to celebrate their achievements while maintaining humility or even to accept defeat in good grace.
[7] It was aided by the directive given by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who instructed that the formation of school bands should be considered a "high priority".
This number translated to around 27.5% of students taking part in the CCA music in the year 2000 being in the bands.
[7] Initial activities in the early festivals only included music and dance, but it gradually extended to field sports, art forms, and later, mass displays.
It continues to be an annual event during which most schools' performing arts groups compete at their respective levels.