Western Australia Police Pipe Band

The Western Australia Police Pipe Band was formed on 12th May 1966 and wears the Napier tartan.

In 1996 the band took a new direction, amalgamating the sounds of pipes and drums with other instruments, including acoustic and bass guitar, synthesizer, drum kit and various percussion instruments providing a diverse repertoire that would hopefully appeal to a wider cross section of the community.

Since that initial step the band has expanded and further developed their concert repertoire, resulting in the release of three CDs. First in 1996 releasing Seolauh Ur (meaning Direction New) followed by the very popular Music of the Gael.

On November 25, 2000, the band released a third CD, Off Duty, at their annual concert, which attracted a crowd of 1100 people, believed to be the biggest pipe band concert to date in Australia.

In August 1997 the band performed at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. While in Scotland they also competed in three pipe band competitions, gaining 3rd, 5th and 1st placings.

As a result of the band’s efforts in 1997 they returned to Scotland to contest the Grade 2 competition at the 1998 World Pipe Band Championships. Prior to competing at the World Championships the band entered into competitions at both the North Berwick Highland Games and the Perth Highland Games, at which it was placed first on each occasion.

On August 15, 1998 against a field of 32 bands from around the world, the Western Australia Police Pipe Band contested and were declared the winners of Grade 2 at the 1998 World Pipe Band Championships.

The band consists of 15 full time members, employed by the Western Australia Police Service, comprising both “sworn” police officers and “unsworn” members. Additionally the band has a number of guest players. When not engaged in their prime function as band officers the members assist various sections throughout the police service.

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