About the CPS

About the Pipe Band

The Calgary Police Service Pipe Band is made up of serving and retired police officers as well as civilian members. All members volunteer their own time to practice and perform.

Mission Statement

The Calgary Police Service Pipe Band serves as a good-will ambassador for the Calgary Police Service and the City of Calgary.

Vision Statement

The Calgary Police Service Pipe Band strives to be the premier show and competition pipe band in Canada while representing the Calgary Police Service and the City of Calgary.

Value Statements

• While fulfilling our mission we are duty bound to honour the integrity, principles, and professionalism of the Calgary Police Service.
• We perform our craft in celebration of the Celtic heritage and traditions of our community.
• We take pleasure and pride in performing at the highest standard.
• We encourage and enjoy the fellowship of those who share our commitment to the Band.

Band Executive

Band performances are held with the permission of Colonel-in-Chief Jack Beaton. Additionally, the band performs under the direction of Pipe Major Mack W. Shortt and is led by Drum Major Kaz Jednorog.

Other Executive members include:

• Pipe Sergeant - Alex Pullar
• Drum Sergeant - Justin Barrett
• Pipe Corporals - Stephanie McSween; Dayle West
• Drum Corporals– Melissa Wheatley; Andrew Thompson
• Lead Dancer - Kirsty Thackrey
• Mess Presidents - Michael Inglis; Alan Duguid
• Band Officer - Inspector Al Redford
• Band Executive Officer - Deputy Chief Brian Sembo

History

Modeled after the Edinburgh Police Band (now Lothian and Borders Police), the Calgary Police Service Pipe Band was formed in 1973 by Bill Crabbe who was a Sergeant with the Calgary Police Service. For it's first public performance, the band was given the honour of leading the 1975 Calgary Stampede Parade.

Performance Highlights

The CPSPB performs at events in Canada, the United States and Europe (George Square, 2004)

• 1989 Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Halifax Nova Scotia; The Calgary Stampede Parade (Best Pipe Band, Best Drum Major)
• 1990 The Calgary Stampede Parade (Best Pipe Band, Best Drum Major)
• 1991 Calgary Stampede Parade (Best Pipe Band, Best Drum Major)
• 1992 Calgary Stampede Parade (Best Pipe Band, Best Canadian Band, Best Drum Major); Calgary Stampede "Fanfare" Band Festival (Silver Medal)
• 1993 The Memphis in May International Tattoo, Memphis, Tennessee; The Calgary Stampede Parade (Best Pipe Band, Best Canadian Band)
• 1994 Calgary Stampede "Fanfare" Band Festival (Gold Medal)
• 1995 Commissioning Ceremonies of the frigate HMCS Calgary at Her Majesty’s Dockyard, Esquimalt, British Columbia
• 1996 Calgary Stampede Parade (Best Pipe Band)
• 1997 World Police and Fire Games, Calgary
• 1999 Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Halifax, Nova Scotia
• 2000 Longs Peak Scottish/Irish Highland Festival, Estes Park, Colorado
• 2001 Dutch National Tattoo, Breda, Netherlands
• 2003 Opening Ceremonies of the Juno Beach Centre, Normandy France
• 2004 "Beat on the Street" Concert with Strathclyde Police Pipe Band, George Square, Glasgow, Scotland; 60th Anniversary of D-Day, Juno Beach, Normandy France
• 2005 The Calgary Stampede Parade (Best Pipe Band, Best Canadian Band, Best Overall Band); Canmore Highland Games Ceilidh

Band Uniform

Originally modeled after the uniforms of the Edinburgh Police Pipe Band (now Lothian and Borders Police), the CPS Pipe Band wears the Prince Charles Edward Stuart tartan.

The cap band on all headgear exhibits a black and white dice pattern, (which Scottish police officers wear on their street uniforms) a trait that distinguishes police pipe bands from military pipe bands.

Each member of the band is issued and required to maintain three Band regulation uniforms.

Illustrated at left is the Drum-Major’s number one uniform with a glengarry bonnet (not feather bonnet).

Regimental March

The band's regimental march is entitled "The Calgary City Police Pipe Band", and was composed by Bill Crabbe.

Banners

The band carries four unique pipe banners;

	The Memorial Banner This black banner displays the Calgary Police Service crest and the names of the Calgary police officers who have been killed in the line of duty. The banner is carried by the Pipe Major.
	The Centennial Banner This banner, carried by the Pipe Sergeant, is a replica of the Calgary Police Service flag and commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Police Service.
	The Chief Constable Coat of Arms Banner This red banner is carried by the Pipe Corporal whenever the Chief Constable or designate accompanies the band.
	The First Leaders Banner This banner is to be carried with respect by the most junior member of the pipe corps. The banner is currently being designed and will salute the dedication and service of the first Pipe Major, Bill Crabbe, and first Drum Major, Bill Young - both of whom were founding members of the band.

Annual Events

Robbie Burns Dinner

The Calgary Police Service Robbie Burns Dinner is the highlight of the year for band members. First held in 1976, this annual event is held on the Saturday closest to January 25, the birth date of Robert Burns.

Mess Dinner

The annual Mess Dinner is a tradition of the band to celebrate the accomplishments of the band and its individual members. The Bandsman of the Year, elected by his or her peers, is presented to a member in recognition of significant achievements and contributions during the year. In addition to all members, this fine event is attended by the band’s Colonel-in-Chief, Band Executive Officer, and Band Officer.