In 1958, Captain Dias da Silva ordered the band be expanded to 75 musicians. As a result of further restructuring of the PSP in early 1981, the band became a recipient of official musical training. In 1999, it was transferred from the authority of the Republic of Portugal to the People's Republic of China, as per the planned Transfer of sovereignty over Macau. During the events on the day of the transfer, the band took part in the lowering of the Portuguese flag as well as the performance of "A Portuguesa" for the final time.