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Ednburgh Military Tattoo
February 2010: WAPOL return from a succesful Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The WA Police Pipe Band featured in last month’s Edinburgh Tattoo in Sydney, which attracted more than 80,000 spectators during the four nights it was staged.

Performances took place at the Sydney Football Stadium where an impressive million dollar replica of Edinburgh’s famous castle - complete with cannons, drawbridge and turrets - provided the perfect backdrop for the event. The Tattoo included performers from around the world with this being only the third time the event has been taken outside of Scotland.
The Band left Perth on January 30 and headed straight into an intensive rehearsal schedule made all the more difficult by the unpleasantly humid weather conditions in Sydney.

Police Bands from Tasmania, NSW and Queensland joined WAPOL alongside an impressive array of Australian and British Military Bands with additional performers from Russia, China, Norway, USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Switzerland and Australia making up the remainder of the cast.

WAPOL proudly represented Western Australia at the Tattoo and were pleased to receive many compliments on the standard of both the Band’s musicianship and drill.
The WA Police Pipe Band has performed at two previous Edinburgh Tattoo’s during 1975 and 1997.
Any associated costs are always met by the WA Police Pipe Band Supporter’s Association.

Position Vacant
February 2010: Position Vacant for Full time PIper Position.

Expressions of interest are invited from pipers and drummers who are of a high grade two standard or above,  who are able to relocate to Perth,  and who are interested in making sunny Western Australia their new home!

A six month probationary contract as a Level 3 public servant is offered,   however we are not,  unfortunately,  able to offer any relocation expenses.

For more information, please contact the Pipe Major, Paul Hughes, and Officer In Charge, Brett Bale at: paul.hughes@police.wa.gov.au / brett.bale@police.wa.gov.au

Recognising our own
January 2010: Promotions and recognition within the band.

There is no better way to start the year than to mention a promotion and a couple of internal accolades from within the band.

Firstly, the band would like to congratulate Iain Westgate on the promotion to Pipe Sergeant. Iain has been a member of WAPOL since Feb 2008 and is honoured to be WAPOL's new Pipe Sergeant. Iain’s reaction to the appointment is as follows:
“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to be Pipe Sergeant of the band, especially one with such a successful history as WAPOL. The band has been going through a rebuilding stage over the last two or three years and has produced a terrific album and returned to the competition scene, as well as expanding our active schools program. I am proud to be part of the rebuilding process and to support the Pipe Major and Drum Sergeant in all our musical endeavours.”

Also of note, pipers John Roarty and Peter Field were awarded the Western Australia Police Pipe Band Supporter’s Association awards for “Best Overall Contribution 2009” and "Best Turned Out Bandsman 2009" respectively. Presented annually, these awards provide recognition from within the band for outstanding contribution to the band and both John and Peter were deserving recipients.

2010
January 2010: Start of a new and exciting year for WAPOL.

2010 is upon us and WAPOL are looking forward to an exciting year packed full of highlights beginning with the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Sydney, Australia, followed by a range of other high profile events throughout the year. The band will of course attend to the wide range of ceremonial and community events which are an essential part of its role.

The band is pleased to be representing both the WA Police and the wider community of Western Australia in Sydney at the Tattoo which is expected to realise a total audience of 80,000 spectators and be the largest Tattoo ever held in terms of cast numbers and show duration.

Newman
October 2009: WAPOL travel 1,117km north in remembrance of the 4 fallen police officers.

The WA Police Pipe Band travelled to Newman on October 22 primarily to participate in the memorial service held each year to remember the four Police Officers who lost their lives in a tragic aircraft accident near the township.

While in Newman, the Band also put on a free outdoor community concert which drew a huge crowd of the local townsfolk. Additional entertainment was provided by the Royal Navy Band who had sent a small contingent of players in support of the Band.

Visits to the local schools, shopping centre, and an appearance at a road safety event saw the Band kept extremely busy.

The memorial service was, as always, a moving experience, again very well attended with a large number of Police personnel, family members of the fallen officers, politicians and community members in attendance.

The Band completed its role in Newman by performing at the Bloody Slow Cup rugby match which takes place during the weekend – the fiercely fought battle between the NZ and Australian contingents in the town. The performance must have been inspiring as it led to the first ever victory by the Australians in the events history.

Following the match, the Commissioner’s Band, The Filth took to the stage, supported by 2 of the pipers, Paul Hughes and John Roarty who played into the night much to the delight of an appreciative crowd.

To see photo's of the event, please visit the photo gallery.

The Commissioner’s bike ride
October 2009: WAPOL perform at charity event.

WA Police employees, families and friends hit the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail on Sunday, October 11 for the Commissioner’s Family Mountain Bike Ride to raise money for Camp Quality. Cyclists departed from and returned to the Mundaring Sculpture Park completing either a 15km or 30km ride.

The WA Police Pipe Band and The Filth provided the entertainment on the day. The Pipe Band played as cyclists crossed the finishing line and the sight and sound of the band definitely seemed to spur on the riders approaching the finish line. In addition entertainment was provided for those who had already returned and supporters of the event who had congregated at the Sculpture Park.

The WA Police Pipe Band gave three rousing performances at last week’s Perth Royal Show. The Police Band teamed up with the Royal Australian Navy Band for two of the 20-minute performances, creating a military-tattoo effect to wow show goers.

In order to combine with the Navy Band pipers played a different chanter set at a lower pitch and the drummers became exponents of the Navy bands ‘drum ruffle.’ The band also appeared at the show wearing the Number One uniform (or Full Dress) which really seemed to impress the crowds.

Click on the thumbnail above to see a few pictures of the band at the show.

Thirty WA Police employees, including Band officer John Roarty, volunteered to answer the phones during Telethon recently, helping the State’s biggest charity to raise more than $6 million. The group of police officers and staff took on a Saturday night shift from 9.30pm to 12.30am, taking hundreds of phoned-in donation pledges.

The WA Police Pipe Band also performed at telethon along with Kerry Grosser’s Scottish Highland Dance Academy. Performing live, the Band was warmly received and appreciated by the crowd and the television audience alike.

To see images of the band, click on the Channel 7 thumbnail above. Images of the band at telethon courtesy of Gary Levy at Viva Photography.

Located on Australia’s Coral Coast, 96 kms from the coastal city of Geraldton and 464km north of Perth, Mullewa is a vibrant administrative and service centre. Mullewa’s thriving community is predominately based in the agricultural, mining and pastoral industries. Supporting many recreational, government, educational and health facilities, the community of Mullewa prides itself on it’s natural and social heritage, with a strong indigenous culture.

On Thursday August 27th the WA Police Pipe Band had the pleasure of travelling to Mullewa for the annual Wildflower Show - an event which attracts visitors from around the world. After a 6 hour drive, arriving on the afternoon of Thursday August 27th we arrived at the Railway Hotel, which is located near the town centre. As we had a very busy day ahead of us on Friday, there was only time to unpack and prepare for the following day’s performances.

Our first performance on Friday August 28th was for the staff and students of Mullewa District High School. The band was very well received and the performance generated great interest among the students and staff as was evident afterwards, as band members fielded many questions about the band and what we do.

We then paid a visit to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School, where we (once again) performed to a very appreciative audience. It was clearly a unique experience for the staff and students who really got into the performance and enjoyed every minute of it. The feedback from these school visits was clearly evident as many school students approached band members the following day at the Agricultural Show to have a chat and find out more about the instruments, the band and what we do.

Nestled in the midst of wildflower country and steeped in history, the Shire of Mullewa is one of the largest agricultural municipalities in Western Australia. It is an integral part of Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail, as well as being on the doorstep of Mt Gibson Iron’s Tailering Peak iron ore operations. As a visitor, it was easy to see that the strong bonds that exist within the Mullewa community make it a town of great pride, culture and history.

The band performed at the Agricultural Show, located at the Mullewa sports club grounds on Saturday 29th August. In between athletic events, log-chopping and all the usual ‘fun of the fair’, the band performed on several occasions throughout the day and featured tracks from our new album which were greatly received by a very appreciative and supportive audience.

After enjoying an excellent BBQ dinner at the Mullewa Sports Club, there was time for a little R&R before heading back to Perth the following morning.

The band would like to sincerely thank everyone in Mullewa for making this a most memorable visit. Also a big thank you for overwhelming hospitality we received from everyone during our stay – All the staff at the Railway hotel, Mullewa Police, event organisers, shire and council representatives, school staff and students; and the people of Mullewa.

To see some of the photo's from the weekend, click here.

WAPOL have been hard at work this year preparing for their first studio recorded album.

The band spent the week at Pramount Media Studio's, which is owned by kevin Bloody Wilson, which features 13 tracks, including one bonus track which we are sure will please listeners worldwide.

The album will be available to the public by the end of August. But to secure your copy of your new WAPOL album, you can download the pre-order form and return it to the address listed. Click here to download your order form to avoid dissapointment.

WAPOL recently performed at the Pipe Band State championships at Fremantle on Sunday 3rd May 2009. The band performed in 2 elements, March Strathspey and Reel, then in a musical selection.

The band was very pleased to receive such positive feedback from the judges, spectators and fellow bandsmen. The band is pleased to have performed at the WA State championships, as it has been many years since the band has played/competed there.

The band can be viewed performing at the State Championships on youtube by folowing the link: WA State Championships.

WA Police held a concert titled “I Back Matt” at Joondalup Police Academy on Saturday 18th April to help raise awareness about violence against police and all the donations raised went towards Constable Matt Butcher’s rehabilitation.

The Pipe Band played at the concert along with the Commissioner’s band The Filth, the night was a great success with more than 1000 people attending the event and more than $10,000 being raised by donations and through T-shirt sales.

The band played a selection of tunes including traditional music and a more modern selection. Two of Wapol pipers accompanied the Commissioner band The Filth for two sets.

If you would like to see some photographs or watch some video footage from the media section please click on the links below.

The Pipe Band played at the Anzac Day parade through the city on Saturday 25th April 2009, with it's strongest . The band assisted in the parade of the war veterans through the city. The streets were filled with the public wishing to pay their respects and say thank you to these people. The band played traditional music through out the march.

Anzac Day March marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as ANZACs, and the pride they soon took in that name endures to this day.

In the aftermath of the Victorian bushfires, WA Police held a charity concert at Forrest Place on Friday 20th February 2009 which raised an impressive $5600.

The Commissioner‘s Band The Filth shared the one hour bill with the WA Police Pipe Band. The Pipe Band played a variety selection of music which entertained the public.

When the band members were not playing they helped collect donations and were also there to answer any questions that the public had or just a general chat in the passing.

There are photographs of this event in our media area if you wish to have a look please click on the link below.

New appointment...
Jan 2009: Former Pipe Major Alisdair McLaren appointed Director of National youth Pipe Band program Scotland.

WAPOL wishes Alisdair every success in his newly appointed position of Director of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland.

Formerly a member of Strathclyde Police Pipe Band upon his relocation to Glasgow Scotland and now a member of Field Marshall Montgomery, Al acquired in his words, "a great job" at the National Piping Centre as an office manager and with this appointment he has now landed what he sees as his "dream job" where he will be responsible for the management of the NYPBS program.

Al has set himself the goal of raising the profile of the group "both nationally and internationally" and in that endeavour we wish him well.
Read our archives section here.

NOW RECRUITING...
The Western Australia Police Pipe Band (WAPOL) is now calling for expressions of interest for full time pipers and drummers for positions in 2009.

This year is set to be an exciting year for the band with a major studio album recording planned for mid-year,  a number of concerts and high-profile performances on the calendar,  and of course the performances the band does every week - schools,  Police graduations,  formal events and more.

The band has just completed it's successful Impact @ MPAC concert,  recently played with Andre Rieu as part of his Stadium World Tour and in October toured regional Western Australia and performed numerous times in the Kimberley & Pilbarra.

Expressions of interest are invited from pipers and drummers who are of a grade two standard or above,  who are able to relocate to Perth,  and who are interested in making sunny Western Australia their new home!

A six month contract as a Level 3 public servant is offered,  however we are not,  unfortunately,  able to offer any relocation expenses.

For more information regarding this exciting opportunity and about the band please do not hesitate in contacting the Officer in Charge,  Sergeant Brett Bale - brett.bale@police.wa.gov.au, +61 8 9370 7183 www.wapol.com.au

Live @ MPAC
The Western Australia Police Pipe Band (WAPOL) is now calling for expressions of interest for full time pipers and drummers for positions in 2009.

The highlight of 2008 for Wapol was the highly successful Impact @ MPAC concert,  held at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on Sunday 23rd November 2008.

The band put in a lot of work leading up to the concert,  which was the first major performance since the successful Wapol Updated concert in 2007,  and a strong audience turned out to see the show.

With new instruments,  new tunes,  new styles and new performers,  Impact @ MPAC surprised even seasoned supporters with a concert that moved away from traditional pipe band music and incorporated a more contemporary feel.   The concert not only showcased the talent within the band,  but also a variety of support acts – Kerry Grosser’s Highland Dance Academy, the Kavanagh Irish Dance Studio, the Shine Choir, fiddler Isaac Sealey,  singer Naomi Smith and Samba Dancers.

Unfortunately,  in all of that mix we neglected to appoint a photographer,  hence the rehearsal photo that heads this news item.