The Waterloo Regional Police Service Ceremonial Band was formed in 1977. The Ceremonial Band is currently the only wind ensemble (brass and reed) band in Canada associated with a Police Service.
The Ceremonial Band has a long and proud tradition of engaging local, regional, national and sometimes international audiences through world-class musical performances. The Band performs at various events including community concerts, fundraising endeavours, holiday parades, and provides musical support at police events and ceremonies honouring Canada’s veterans.
The Ceremonial Band is composed of many musicians and features a Colour Party and Drum Line. The majority of Band members are community volunteers.
We are always accepting new applications for musical performers or Colour Party and Drum Line members.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements? |
| You must be 16 years of age or older (members 16 & 17 years old require parental consent), have a good moral character and be free from criminal convictions or negative police contact. |
What is the commitment? |
| Members are expected to attend 80% of the rehearsals and performances throughout the year. |
Do I need to be a Police Officer to be a band member? |
| No. You do not need to be a member of the Police Service to join. Members are mainly volunteers from the community at large. |
What level of musician do I need to be? |
| There is a large variety of skill levels within the Band. We suggest, as a minimum, a high school level of musicianship with the ability to read music at a Grade 11 proficiency. |
What skills do I need to be a Colour Party or Drum Line member? |
| You must be physically able to march and perform drill movements. Experience in marching and drill is beneficial but not required. Training is provided. For the Drum Line, previous experience in percussion or with a Drum Line would be an asset. |
Are uniforms, musical instruments and other items provided? |
| Uniforms, accoutrements, and less formal attire (police crested polo shirts) are provided. Most musicians bring their own instruments, but some Band-owned instruments, including drums, can be loaned out. |
When and where are Band rehearsals? |
| All Band rehearsals are Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 pm at the Waterloo Legion Branch 530 located at 316 Marsland Drive, Waterloo. The Band and Drum Line rehearse every week, and the Colour Party meets every second week. You will be given information on when to attend for your first assessment rehearsal. |
How do I join the Ceremonial Band? |
| Send an email to band@wrps.on.ca. Please provide your name, contact information and the instrument you play or if you are interested in the Colour Party or Drum Line. You will be contacted to attend a rehearsal. You will have the opportunity to play with the Band or practice with the Colour Party or Drum Line over four sessions. If you decide that this is a volunteer opportunity for you, you will complete a Personal History – Security and Background Check Form. Once approved, you will sign an Oath of Volunteer document, receive your Waterloo Regional Police Service Ceremonial Band uniform and be a proud member of the WRPS Ceremonial Band. |
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How do I request the Band to perform at an event? |
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Send an email to band@wrps.on.ca. Please provide your contact information including phone number as well as date(s), time(s), location and full details of your event. Please be aware the Band cannot attend every event and must also assess your event for suitability. |
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