Swiss Winds
Formed in 1967, Swiss Winds, the pride of the Swiss Cottage Secondary School and the Command Band of the Singapore National Cadet Corps, is a composite unit dedicated to delievering uncompromising quality of music through the channels of a parade band, a concert band and a herald fanfare team.
History
In 1999, under the guidance of then Principal Mr Gan Chee Hau and Chairman of the NCC Council Dr Arthur Beng, Swiss Winds comenced a new chapter of MusicAL partnership with the Singapore National Cadet Corps. This relationship has provided a wider horizon of ACTIVE service for the Band and has seen the Swiss Winds NCC Command Band increase its presence on the national level through supporting various military occasions that include the Teacher-Officer Cadet Commissioning Parades, Cadet Officer Passing Out Parades, Dining-ins, Buglers for the annual Remembrance Day services, Affirmation Ceremonies and Anniversary Dinners.
The NCC Command Band Crest
The Singapore NCC Command Band Crest consists of the NCC Badge, two laurel branches, a hunting horn, and banners inscribed with ‘Swiss Winds’ and ‘NCC Command Band’.
The NCC Badge consists of a shield, with the symbol of the sun in the background. Ten golden beams radiate from the sun, symbolizing the formation of our new country. Surrounding this sun is a blue ring, with the words, National Cadet Corps. Another 122 golden beams radiate outwards ending at the edge of the shield, symbolizing unity and strength. Below the shield is a banner inscribed with the word Singapore.
In the foreground is the lion, symbolizing Bravery, Courage and Strength of the youths of Singapore . The sword held by the Lion symbolizes the Defence of our country. Sitting on top of the Badge, is the State Crest. This symbolizes the fact that the National Cadet Corps is a National Body, formed by the Government of Singapore to serve the Nation’s youth.
The State Crest consists of a shield emblazoned with a white crescent moon and five white stars against a red background. Red is symbolic of universal brotherhood and equality of man, and white signifies pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. The five stars represent the five ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. Supporting the shield are a lion on the left and a tiger on the right. Below the shield is a banner bearing the Republic’s motto, Majulah Singapura. The lion represents Singapore itself and tiger, the island’s historical links with Malaysia .
The two laurel branches are shaped like a lyre, which is a universal symbol of military musicians. The branches surround the NCC Badge, signifying that the Command Band is an integral part of the Corps, providing musical support for its activities as required.
The hunting horn signifies the fact that the Command Band is both a marching and concert unit.
The banner inscribed with ‘Swiss Winds’ recognises the fact that the Command Band originates from Swiss Cottage Secondary School, while the banner inscribed with ‘NCC COMMAND BAND' reflects the musical partnership with the Singapore National Cadet Corps, and the Command Band status of the Swiss Winds.