Niagara police's pipe band welcomes new recruits to free music program to carry on the tradition
CBC
The Niagara Regional Police Pipe Band is inviting beginners and youth to try its free music program to help carry on the world-calibre musical ensemble's tradition.
The Big Noise teaching program began in 2013 after the band’s manager, Peter MacKenzie, noticed none of its members were under 60.
“We're in a position where some of our members are getting a little older,” said long-time drum major David Hunter, a retired detective staff sergeant in the Niagara Regional Police Service’s (NRPS) homicide unit.
“That's why we are looking and recruiting for new, younger members to come ... and carry on the heritage of the pipe band.”
The music program is open to adults and people with no experience playing an instrument — like NRPS Const. Richard Hingley.
Hingley, the band's president, is learning to become its new drum major, and said it's been a rewarding experience.
“It’s the sense of community,” Hingley told CBC News. “Everybody becomes a very tight-knit family here.”
MacKenzie kept the program free to give local youth access to music lessons. Instruments and uniforms are provided for free.
“High school music programs are great, but they often come at a pretty expensive cost,” said NRPS Const. Jessica Martin, who volunteers as the program’s drumming instructor.
Martin learned the drums at a cadet program when she was 14, but sharpened her skills after joining the Niagara police pipe band.
Martin and other members have played across Ontario, Nova Scotia and Scotland, which is home of the bagpipes.
The Niagara police band started competing in 1994 and placed second in the Grade 2 division at the 1998 World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland.
They were originally a parade band, having played at big events in the region, including the annual Grape & Wine Festival, the old Blossom Festival Parade and the Welland Rose Festival.
The band also has a role at police funerals and memorials.
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