Wapol Concert Update
 WAPOL have been in full practice mode over the last month in preparation for this Friday's concert at John Curtin College. . So far the show looks to be a sell out for the band's only major concert performance for 2007 but there are still some remaining tickets to be sold if you have not yet purchased any.
The band looks forward to performing for you on Friday night.
Police Pipe Band Set Their Sights On The Kremlin
The Western Australia Police Pipe Band has been invited to take part in the first ever International Military Tattoo, entitled KREMLIN ZORIA , which will take place in Moscow's historic Red Square, by the ancient Kremlin walls, between the 13 - 16 September 2007.
 Like the famous Edinburgh Tattoo, and with the support of the Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin Zoria will have unique national features of its own. Russia will be represented by its best military bands, units, dancers and singers: the President's Band of the Moscow Kremlin Commandant's Service, the Central Band of the Ministry of Defence, the bands of the Cadet Corps, the Cossack Dancers, along with such features as the Special Paratroopers Brigade and the Cavalry Escort of the President's Regiment.
 Distinguished foreign participants are expected to arrive from Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The total number of performers is expected to exceed a thousand, with around 8 thousand people attending this great spectacle each night.
The proceeds of Wapol's upcoming concert at the John Curtin College of the Arts on the 24th August 2007,(See news story below) will go towards assisting with the band's travel funds to Moscow.
WAPOL UPDATED
 WAPOL are proud to announce the concert performance of the year at the John Curtin College of the Arts on the 24th August 2007. The concert, entitled "Updated", is set to showcase the band's talented new players and will feature 13 brand new sets mixed in with some old favourites that are sure to be a crowd pleaser. Also setting the stage alight with the band will be dancers from the Scottish Highland Dance Academy and Kavanagh Irish Dance Studio.
The audience will be treated to a first hand preview of the band's new studio album, due to be released towards the end of 2007. All proceeds made on the night will assist the band with its travels to the 2007 Kremlin Zoria Moscow Tattoo.
For more information regarding the concert or ticket sales please contact either Craig on 9370 7185 or Paul on 9370 7183. Additionally, tickets can be purchased through this website by following this link.
On The Road Again
On the 16th June 2007 the band travelled 450km north of Perth to the town of Geraldton where a mini band was invited to take part in the Police Open Day. The band played at various parts of the day providing music for members of the public visiting the many displays on show. The day was used as a recruiting exercise to give people interested in joining the police more of an insight into the many diverse roles within the Police Service.
McLaughlan and McConnell take the prizes at the WA State Solos
On the 10th June 2007 the band had 6 members compete at the Western Australia State Solo Championships held this year at Murdoch University. The event was well supported by many of the state's up and coming pipers and drummers. In the senior events WAPOL put on a very strong performance showcasing some of the band's latest inclusions into its ranks. Piper Ben McLaughlin, who put in two solid performances in both the MSR and Medley, won the Open Piping event whilst Drummer Dougal McConnell also produced a winning performance in the Open Snare event.
Other winning performances of the day included Jamie Forsyth in the Intermediate event and Nick Craven who picked up two firsts in both the Sub-Intermediate and Elementary Tenor Drumming events.
Results
Open Piping
MSR
1st - Ben McLaughlin
2nd - Lynsey McNicholl
3rd - Alisdair McLaren
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Medley
1st Alisdair McLaren
2nd Ben McLaughlin
3rd Lynsey McNicholl
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Intermediate Piping
1st Jamie Forsyth
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Open Snare
1st Dougal McConnell
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Sub-Intermediate Tenor
1st Nick Craven
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Elementary Tenor
1st Nick Craven
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Prospecting in Kalgoorlie
On the 25th May, 2007 the band travelled 600km east of Perth to the mining town of Kalgoorlie where it was invited to perform at the Australian Prospectors' and Miners' Hall of Fame for the official opening of the Garden of Remembrance.
The gardens were designed using traditional Chinese architecture to acknowledge the miners who ventured to Australia from different parts of the world during the gold rush era. In keeping with this tradition the Consul-General of the People's Republic of China, Mr Li Shugang, attended to officially open the garden.
The trip to Kalgoorlie also saw the band unveil for the first time their new navy blue socks which was recently adopted in keeping with the current pipe band trends from around the world.
Wapol is recruiting drummers
The Western Australia Police Pipe Band is seeking expressions of interest from snare drummers interested in joining
them in their quest to maintain their development.
Expressions of interest are welcome from snare drummers with experience in competing in Grade 2 or above and who are
desirous of becoming a full time playing member with WAPOL.
For more information regarding this exciting opportunity please do not hesitate in contacting:
Drum/Sgt E.J. Brown
or
Peter Bannister (Officer in Charge)
or telephone 08 9370 7184
WA Police hold Open Day
Following the successful staging of a free concert at the Joondalup Police Academy in 2006 the Western Australia
Police will this year hold an open day that starts at 4.00pm on Saturday the 24th of February at the Police Academy, 81 Lakeside Drive, Joondalup, followed by a concert that starts at 7.30pm culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. Patrons will need to bring folding chairs, although some mats are available for children.
Drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Free parking will be available at and surrounding the Academy grounds.
For further details Click here or follow this link to the Police Website.
Changing of the guard at Wapol
Wapol's OIC, Sergeant Peter Bannister, has announced the change of key positions within the band
effective from 4th September, 2006
Read the full release here
Wapol will not contest 2006 worlds
Because of the shortfall in funds that Wapol has been able to raise the band has taken the decision to not take
part in this years World Pipe Band Championships.
The huge financial burden placed upon the band in order to travel and to maintain its ongoing domestic obligations
have meant that Glasgow is indeed both physically and financially a long way from Perth, Australia.
In a sports-mad city that numbers about 1.5 million it is difficult to attract financial support when millions of
dollars are given to successful sporting teams and sporting men and women (assuming they are within the chosen
category) who then cajole us through our television screens to buy their favourite brand of breakfast cereal
etc.
Perhaps if we were to remove the drones and chanter from our pipes, seal up the
holes, inflate the bag and go kick it around a field and call it sport we may then have some success in raising
funds. We certainly couldn't do worse!
"Forty Years in the Making"
Wapol's book, "Fory Years in the Making", which has been produced in a limited edition of 500 numbered
copies, has now been released. For history buffs, people who have experienced the band, past
members and those who do not want to be bogged down with a whole lot of boring statistics or meaningless waffle will
find this an interesting read. Drawing heavily upon the band's pictorial history a rich array of
photographs are presented throughout its pages
The book has been written by the Director of Police Media and Public Affairs Neil Stanbury and can be purchased by
following this link
Wapol's 40th anniversary concert
The 12th of May, 2006 marks a 40 year milestone for Wapol . Since its creation on that day in
1966 the band has travelled widely and entertained milions of people and to mark the anniversary of that event the
band will stage a concert at Burswood Theatre, Perth on the 12th of May commencing at 8.00pm. This is
an all new concert with a totally new repertoire and will be sure to appeal to all.
A book that pictorialises the band's journey since inception is to be launched at the concert.
For further details Click here Or to book your tickets Click here
Wapol to take part in International Police Tattoo
The WA Police Pipe Band will once again take part in the Commonwealth Bank International Police Tattoo that is to
be staged in the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, between the 5th and 7th of May 2006.
Featuring Julie Anthony the Tattoo will showcase the talent of police bands from Australia and throughout the
world as well as other talented groups.
This is the 3rd International Police Tattoo that has been hosted by the South Australia Police with the previous
events held in 2001 and 2003.
For further details visit www.policetattoo.com
Western Australia Police to stage variety concert
A spectacular fireworks display will round out a special outdoor Police Concert, to be held as part of the
Joondalup Festival on Saturday March 25th at the Joondalup Police Academy.
The free concert will feature the WA Police Pipe Band in full concert mode, plus the Woodvale Senior High School
Concert Band, solo singers, Aboriginal and Scottish Highland dancers and the police-officer rock
band, Strictly Business.
 For further details click on the button
Wapol to perform twice at Quarry
Following the successful sold out concert that Wapol performed at the Quarry Amphitheatre, Oceanic Drive, City Beach earlier this year in 2005, the band has booked the venue for 2 nights - February the 3rd and 4th in 2006. For booking details please follow this link 
 Thanks to the editor of Sporran Correspondent, Wapol's newsletter to "Friends of Wapol " members' for this news item.
Wapol embarks on recruiting drive
Wapol's latest recruit, pictured below, is keen to get stuck into the repertoire.
Two year old Jimmy Vance is a mad keen fan of the band and he was invited to band practice and sat in whilst the pipers practiced their practice chanters.
Now that's starting them young!
Wapol to tour country Western Australia
The Western Australia Police Pipe Band is about to embark on a regional tour of the state performing its ground
breaking New Show " The Tartan Played ", proudly supported by SmokeFree WA.
Since the release of their third live concert recording, the Western Australia Police Pipe Band has received rave reviews throughout the world. The innovative accompaniment of various backing instruments on their latest release, recorded at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, entitled WAPOL Live @ MPAC, is testimony to the popularity of their music.
" We'll be playing some traditional favourites and showcasing some of the best contemporary Scottish music and highland dancing this side of Edinburgh castle" Sgt Bannister said.
The world-class pipe section is complemented by a drum and percussion ensemble that must be seen to be believed and backed by bass, electric and acoustic guitars that could easily carry a show by itself.
The police band has made waves throughout the international band scene, with the release of several ground breaking albums and a victory at the US Open Championships in 2001.
Patron of the band and former Police Commissioner Brian Bull said "Our band, affectionately known as WAPOL, have returned from Glasgow, Scotland as the number two police band in the world. They have been working hard since then on the brand new show".
The 1st of 4 shows will open at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre on Saturday 30th April, then on Sunday 1st May the band will be returning to the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.
Concerts are also scheduled for the Goldfields Arts Centre in Kalgoorlie on the 14th May and the Queens Park Theatre in Geraldton on the 28th May.
All tickets are available from Regional Box Offices at $25.00 ea with concessions available.
For tour dates, ticketing details and venues please follow this link
InterSector Magazine article on Wapol
See full story here
2005 World Pipe Band Championships
The following is a release issued by Wapol's Officer in Charge, Sergeant Peter Bannister.
" The Western Australia Police Pipe Band has made the decision to remain at home in 2005 and not compete in the World Pipe Band Championships.
This decision was confirmed to band members at band practice this week and whilst it was not an easy decision, it has come about because of the enormous effort required for raising the necessary funds. The past three years has created an immense strain on the band's resources and members alike and consequently the ability to continue at the same frenetic pace was in doubt. As many overseas bands will appreciate, to get to the line takes not only considerable planning, but also an enormous commitment of both resources and finances.
To follow on from the progress made at the Worlds over the past two years would have been the preferred option in 2005 however this was not to be the case and it was very disappointing to have to make the announcement. This decision does not mean that WAPOL will disappear off the world stage, in fact, it will be quite the opposite with the intention to continue to strive for excellence in innovation and experimentation with a major concert planned for late 2005 recorded live for DVD.
The members of the Western Australia Police Pipe Band would like to thank their supporters both at home and overseas for their tremendous support over the years and reaffirm to them that the band will continue to provide the type of music they have come to appreciate.
Peter Bannister
Officer in Charge
Western Australia Police Pipe Band
24th November 2004 "
Footnote
-
Few people would have any understanding of the compexities surrounding a bid by WAPOL to travel to and contest the World Pipe Band Championship. Having the distinction of living in the most remote city in the world where the closest competitive band resides some 2,000 or more kilometres east, any undertaking requires a huge fundraising effort. To travel to Scotland neccessitates the raising of somewhere in the vicinity of $100,000. Clearly that is a huge disadvantage to this band and I would dare to say that it is something that is not borne by any other band in the world at least to this degree.
New CD
Wapol's new cd, titled WAPOL Live @ MPAC is now available for purchase. At the time of release distribution is limited, initially only through WAPOL. However, the resellers listed on our Links page are expected to again act as distributors in their various locations.
Medley
Now is your opportunity to listen to Wapol's 2003 Medley that was recorded at Perth in Scotland the weekend before the Worlds, which because of Wapol's failure to qualify at the Worlds you did not get to hear.
Click on "Streaming audio" on the navigation bar. It is in "Real" format, whcih will require you to have Real Player installed to be able to hear it.
Recording of CD
Wapol will record its 4th cd on Sunday the 9th of November, 2003, at Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah, before a live audience. There will be 2 sessions, the first at 2.00pm and the second at 4.00pm.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the audience that in turn will be part of the recording.
Price per session is $13. Tickets can be purchased from Mandurah Performing Arts Center and can also be purchased online. Just follow the link by clicking on the MANPAC picture below.
South Australia Tatoo
No sooner had they returned from Glasgow when Wapol was busy learning the music for the soon to be staged -
"Sensational Adelaide International Police Tattoo"
in Adelaide, South Australia. This Tattoo, to be staged over 4 days, has become a regular must see event that is produced by the South Australia Police with performers drawn from all over the world.
The band will fly out this Friday to begin rehearsals that will lead up to the opening show on Wednesday the 17th of September.
Wapol's exhausting schedule, which saw them attending a police graduation parade just days after arriving well and truely jet lagged back home in Perth after attending the World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland, will see no easing following the tattoo, for they will return just in time to take part in the WA Police Week events, following which will be some serious full on rehearsal for the band's next CD that is due for release some time before Christmas..
Perth Results
At the Perth Highland Games on Sunday August 10, WAPOL was placed 3rd. Placings in grade 1 are -
1st Strathclyde Police
2nd David Urquhart Travel
3rd Western Australia Police
4th Vale of Athol
Congratulations to everyone
North Berwick Results
At the North Berwick Highland Games on Sunday August 9, WAPOL was placed 2nd. Placings in grade 1 are -
1st Boghall & Bathgate
2nd Western Australia Police
3rd Strathclyde Police
4th LA Scots.
Congratulations to everyone.
Wapol Departs for Scotland
Wapol winged its way out of Perth airport this afternoon at 4.00pm local time en route to Glasgow, with everything......except me! BUGGER!!
Well I guess someone has to stay back and mind the fort and keep this site up to date, hopefully with good tidings (at least from our point of view and of our supporters. I hope that the graphic below is prophetic.
The reaction we hope to get when (if?)we steal the silverware!
Reluctant Hero
"Being in the right place at the right time, or in the wrong place at the wrong time... " is how Roy Hamilton, pictured below, nonchalently explained away a commendation for bravery awarded to him at a police graduation ceremony at the Police Academy, Joondalup last Friday morning the 18th of July, 2003.
Roy, an unsworn member of Wapol's drum corps for about 9 years, was in a newsagency in the Perth suburb of Maylands in February this year when he was confronted by a knife wielding bandit during a armed holdup. Not being one to stand by and do nothing and despite his lack of police training Roy confronted the offender who fled the scene.
The miscreant did not reckon on Roy's bulldog tenacity as he was soon collared and held until the arrival of police. He was also prevented from disposing of his weapon down a stormwater drain.
It was later found that the offender was wanted for questioning over a string of robberies.
Meet the winner
So often we hear when the winner of a prize is announced - "he/she doesn't need that!", and as an expression of our own disappointment in not having won the prize ourselves it is a way of reconciling our disappointment and convincing oneself that the next time a more deserving winner (ourselves) will result. Rarely do we gain an insight into the person behind the prize.
Casey Todhunter is 16 years of age, in year 11 at Scotch College in Perth, Western Australia and began piping at the age of 14 whilst in Year 9. In that short time he has progressed to the "A Team" band at the school. By all accounts he is a dedicated piper with heaps of potential.
Casey with his new pipes presented by Wapol's OIC, Peter Bannister with James Cowie and Doug Kirkwood
Photo by Paul McGovern courtesy of Post Newspapers Pty Ltd.
So, how is that any different from countless others, you may well ask. Well, Casey suffers a 40% hearing loss in both ears, a condition he has had since the age of 18 months when he contracted meningitis, a severe and sometimes fatal illness. That has not stopped him from following his passion, which he no doubt inherited from his grandfather who was a piper of many years with a local band.
Until June 14 this year Casey did not own his own pipes, playing instead the pipes loaned to him by the school. By chance Casey's father Toby was visiting the band room and happened to see a poster advertising the raffle, which set in train what was to be for Casey a most fortuitous event. Whether by coercion or other means he was able to extract from his family $100 and bought 10 tickets. The rest as they say is history and now he is the envy of his classmates........ and me!
Winner of Raffle
Wapol's raffle of the set of bagpipes has been won. Drawn last night, Saturday the 14th of June, the winner is - James Todhunter of Cottesloe Western Australia, ticket number 0637.
Wapol wishes to sincerely thank everyone who entered the draw, which has contributed to our huge fund raising effort to travel to the World Pipe Band Championships in August this year.
Thank you!
Wapol to Contest Worlds
Wapol will travel to Scotland in August to contest the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow on Saturday the 16th of August. On Saturday the 9th of August prior to the Worlds the band will compete at North Berwick, which it won in 1997 and again in 1998 in Grade 2, and at Perth, which it also won in 1998 similarly in Grade 2, on the 10th of August. This time however the band will be competing in Grade 1 and expect far greater competition.
Anyone wishing to know just where the band will be staying whilst in Glasgow please use the contacts link at the top of this page.
Friends Programme
The Western Australia Police Pipe Band Supporters Association invites you, our valued supporter to financially assist the band by being a foundation member of our "Friends of the Band" programme.
The "Friends of the Band programme" will not be just another donation fund, instead we offer to you, our supporters, not only a sense of pride in knowing you have assisted the band maintain its world class standard but also to receive something tangible in return, for example:
- Special Membership certificate recogising you as a valued supporter of the band and
foundation member.
- Your name mentioned in future publications, such as CD/DVD covers, Concert programs etc, of
your valued support
- Opportunity to purchase "Band only" merchandise (t-shirts, hats etc.) when available
- Half price concert tickets and priority seating at any future concerts.
- 50% Discount on any future merchandise purchases
- 50% Discount on the services of a solo piper, drummer, or band for your special event,
subject to availability. (weddings, parties etc..)
- Complimentary band CD of your choice
- Complimentary band hat
- Limited edition Supporters Association badge
Membership of the friends of the band programme is capped in the first year to just 150 members with an annual subscription of $100.00.
We hope you take this opportunity to be amongst the first to assist the band by taking an active role in helping the good name of Western Australia Police Band and the Western Australia Police Service around the World.
The intended launch date for the friends of "Friends of the Band" programme is set down for Friday 30th of May. Don't forget to get in early if you would like to be one of our foundation members.
If you would like to take up this offer then we invite you to email us with your details and any questions you may have.
North Berwick
At the North Berwick competitions on Saturday the 7th of August Wapol gained 2nd place behind Boghall &
Bathgate Caledonian. Placings are as follows:
1. Boghall & Bathgate Caledonian
2. Wapol
3. City of Washington
4. Drambuie Kirkliston
5. Torphican & Bathgate
6. Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
In the separate MSR competition the reuslts are:
1. Lothian & Borders
2. Wapol
3. City of Washington
4. Torphican & Bathgate
Bridge of Allan
Wapol were placed 4th at Bridge of Allan. Placings were:
1. Dysart & Dundonald
2. Strathclyde Police
3. Scottish Power
4. Wapol
5. Peel Regional Police
6. City of Washington
The wonders of technology
Yesterday (Monday 9th August) Wapol performed in
George Square in Glasgow taking part in the Piping Hot International Piping Festival. By the
placement
of web cameras by the Glasgow city council overlooking George Square we were able to view an image back
home in Perth of the band performing, although not close enough to identify members.
Web cam view of George Street shown smaller
than full size,captured Tuesday
10th August
The technological wizardry did not stop there because I then received the picture
below of the band during
that performance that was emailed to me from a mobile phone.
Wapol inside the marquee that is visible
on the web cam
view above
It's a small world in which we live.
Wapol qualify
Wapol qualified for the finals at today's qualifying round of the Grade 1 World Pipe Band
Championships. They have drawn 11th to play at the finals.
The top 6 qualifiers were-
- Dysart & Dundonald
- Vale of Athol
- The Clan Gregor Society
- Wapol
- City of Washington
- Bleary & District
Wapol 11th place in finals
Wapol, despite a strong performance, were placed 11th in the final placings of the world
Pipe Band Championships. Placings are as follows:
- Field Marshall Montgomery
- Simon Fraser Highlanders
- Shotts & Dykehead
- Strathclyde Police
- Scottish Power
- St Laurence O'Toole
- 78th Fraser Highlanders
- Boghall & Bathgate
- Vale of Athol
- Dysart & Dundonald
- Wapol
- The Clan Gregor Society
- Bleary & District
- City of Washington
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