Winnipeg Police Pipe Band

The Winnipeg Police Pipe Band

The Winnipeg Police Pipe Band was established in 1920. Initially membership to the band was open to non-members of the Police Force. As the Force grew in size and more pipers and drummers entered into police service, the Police Commission in 1939 directed that only members of the Force would be permitted membership in the band. In the 1980's, due to promotions and retirements, the Band again began to include volunteer pipers and drummers

as it does to this day. The current band includes police officers, fire fighters, military personnel, accountants, tradesmen, business owners and representatives of many industries. However, it is still a tradition that the role of the Pipe Major (band leader) is filled by a current enlisted police officer. From 2003 to the present, Doug Roxburgh has served as the band’s Pipe Major. No matter what their background, the members of the Winnipeg Police Pipe Band strive to play music of the highest level that will move and delight their audiences.

One of the Band’s regular functions since 1961 has been the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) Grey Cup festivities. The Band is proud to be the only Pipe Band in Canada to have performed in every Grey Cup City in Canada. Other prestigious events include the Rose Bowl Parade and the World Curling Championships. Over 90 years of performing has led the Winnipeg Police Pipe Band to many wonderful locations throughout the world. No doubt, they will continue to thrill audiences for years to come.

The band continues to grow and is essential in promoting Scottish Heritage within the community through organizing recitals and concerts and playing at many events in and around the City of Winnipeg. Look forward to seeing them at the Pavilion of Scotland at Folklorama every August. Rural Manitoba is not overlooked, as the band participates in parades celebrating festivals at places like Lac du Bonnet, Neepawa, Warren, Altona, Grunthal, Morden and Brandon, to name a few. The band is over 60 members strong and growing.

In 2013, a segment of the band decided to take up the challenge of competing. Under the leadership of Nathan Mitchell, to date, this competition band has placed first in every competition held at the grade three level.

However, the whole band continues to perform and thrill their audiences both nationally and internationally with their masterful play and striking full dress uniform. Attired in their traditional Royal Stewart Tartan, (which the Band was granted permission to wear by the Lord Master of the Rolls for the United Kingdom) the band has performed in cities across North America like Las Vegas, Cleveland, Minneapolis and Norfolk, Virginia. As well, the band has been honoured to perform for a number of royal and foreign dignitary visits including two by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

As they approach their 100th anniversary, the Winnipeg Police Pipe Band is grateful to those audiences who have shown their support. It is this enthusiastic encouragement that allows the Band to continue its proud legacy.

Over 90 years of leadership:

Pipe Majors

Doug Roxburgh 2003 – present

I. Stewart MacPherson 2000 - 2003

A. Bruce Taylor 1986 - 1999

Donald A. Morrison 1969 - 1985

Neil Sutherland 1948 - 1969

J. Coghill 1920 – 1948

Pipe Sergeants

Garth McCombe

I. Stewart MacPherson

A. Bruce Taylor

Ross McClay

Daniel MacKay

Harold Forgie

Robert Young

Drum Majors

Rob Duttchen Present

Robert Watson

John Robins

Cliff Cooke

Thomas Arfield

John Coghill

Drum Sergeants

Rob Chennells Present

Robert Draho

Russell Lelliott

Robert Cooper

Harold Cooper

Andrew Swan

Sid Hughes

Information compiled by Janet McCombe with assistance from the Winnipeg Police Pipe

Band website. For more information: www.wppb.ca