The JMF Band strikes the State anthem Lagu Bangsa Johor on the arrival and departure of HRH Sultan of Johor at royal ceremonies and official state functions, at the proclamation of a new Sultan, and during the coronation of the Sultan. The Band provides background music at royal weddings and garden parties.

HISTORY

This unit has its own history. During a visit to Calcutta in 1876, Maharaja Abu Bakar was fascinated by the personal band of the Indian king. Upon returning to Johor, His Highness established his own band and, in 1882, appointed a Dutch musician named Mackertich Galistan to lead and train its members, consisting of 30 Malays. In 1886, His Highness purchased brass musical instruments, wind instruments, and drums from Hawkes & Sons London to enhance the fighting spirit of the newly formed army unit.

The JMF band performed at the weddings of the king's children in Singapore and at dance-themed events during the inauguration of Abu Bakar's Tyersall Palace residence in Singapore in 1895. The band competed with other bands, including those from Europe and the military regiment's band based in Singapore.

The band was placed under but not made a part of JMF. Galistan and Government Officer Tompkins could not agree. To avoid disputes, Sultan Ibrahim placed this band under the palace administration and separated it from JMF. After Tompkins' retirement, the band was returned under the management of JMF and named the JMF Band. Band members underwent military training, including marching and shooting.

Upon the command of Sultan Ibrahim in 1904, an official emblem was designed for this band. The emblem consists of a keris with a connected sword at the top, intertwined with gambir and black pepper, and its motto 'Kepada Allah Berserah' written in Jawi script. A crown adorns the top of the emblem, signifying the Johor Sultanate's adaptation of both Western (sword) and Eastern (keris) knowledge in the administration of the state.

On weekends, this band presents music and songs at the Bukit Bintang bandstand within the Kebun Bunga Istana Besar area. It is reported that the band plays classical and contemporary music, including pieces like San Lorenzo (Silva), Humoresque, The Musical Switch (Alford), Thistle Down (Hennesey), Suite Looking Upwards (Sousa), One Step, Happy (P.W. Hembley), The Last Post, and Regimental March Colonel Bogey. The band's skill and success not only reflect Galistan's expertise but also dispel the notion that Malays are incapable of playing Western and classical music.

The JMF Band unit, consisting of 35 members, played the Johor National Anthem four times during the ceremony.

1. When welcoming the arrival of DYMM Tuanku.
2. During the royal honor guard saluting after DYMM Tunku concluded the inspection of the parade.
3. Before DYMM Tuanku takes the throne.
4. Before DYMM Tuanku departs, indicating the end of the ceremony.

In addition to that, a total of 50 officers and other ranks of JMF served during the People's Tea Reception held in the afternoon at Dataran Bandaraya. The JMF band welcomed the arrival and departure of DYMM Tuanku with the Johor National Anthem. The band also entertained the event with selected songs.

National Anthem of Johor

Galistan composed the Johor State Anthem without lyrics. In 1910, Herbert A. Courtney, the manager of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank in Johor Bahru at the time, wrote English lyrics for the anthem and named it "God Save the Sultan." Dato’ Hj. Mohd Said, the Staff Officer of JMF, assisted by Major Abdul Rahim bin Abdul Karim, translated the lyrics into Malay. In 1915, Sultan Ibrahim named the anthem "Lagu Bangsa Johor."

The Johor State Anthem is played by the JMF band during the official royal ceremonies to welcome the arrival and departure of His Majesty the Sultan of Johor. The anthem is also played halfway for the Regent or official representative of His Majesty in royal ceremonies or official government functions.

When Galistan retired, he was succeeded by Acting Major Awang bin Yahya until the end of World War I. After that, Lieutenant Ralph Victor Samuel Wright, the leader of the Singapore Regiment band, was appointed as the band leader. After acquiring additional musical equipment, he reorganized the band, wind section, bagpipes, and accordion, along with wire and drum equipment. All of this musical equipment was confiscated by the Japanese forces. Subsequently, the band was disbanded.

On April 1, 1978, HRH Tunku Mahmood Iskandar, the Raja Muda (later Sultan Iskandar), revived the JMF band led by Warrant Officer Mohamad bin Jonid. After several years of absence, the band made its first appearance during the Merdeka Day celebration on August 31, 1979. The band played music at Bukit Bintang every weekend in the early 1980s.

Not long after, Major Anuar bin Alaidin was appointed as the Music Director of JMF, leading a group of 35 members and two officers. The involvement and encouragement from the king and royal family further enhanced the performance and presentation of the band.

In 1983, 1984, and 1985, the JMF Band accompanied and participated in the celebrations of the birthday of HRH the Sultan of Kelantan. The band was also invited to perform at the Malaysian Armed Forces events in Kuala Lumpur.

References:

1. Dato’ Hj. Mohd Said bin Sulaiman "The Second Saga of Johor"
2. Black and White London May 7 1892 “Some Famous Drums”
3. The Straits Times 16 December 1926 “Music at Johor Bahru”
4. The Straits Times 16 September 1935 “Mr. Galistan’s Band, Malay Performers 25 Years Ago”
5. National Anthem of Johor – Printed by the Johor Government Printing Department 1959 JMF Headquarters