India 2019
Tradition, achievement and advancement of Scottish Pipe Band culture has
been the mission of the Vancouver Police Pipe Band for 110 years. We are the
oldest non-military pipe band in British Columbia and rank amongst the most
senior police pipe bands in the world. The VPPB is designated as the “Official
Band of Vancouver”.
The band’s humble beginning occurred in 1914 at the opening of the “new”
police station on Cordova Street. A handful of pipers within the department had
organized themselves to play for the opening ceremonies. Chief Constable
Malcolm MacLennan was so impressed with this performance that he
authorized the formation of a departmental pipe band.
In 1932 the British Columbia Pipers Association held its inaugural meeting at the
police station. Vancouver Police Pipe Band member Roderick MacLeod was
elected as the first president of the BCPA. MacLeod and Ed Esson, Pipe Major
of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, also created the MacCrimmon Cairn Trophy in 1933. VPPB member Alex Johnson was the first recipient of the Cairn and would go on later to become the Pipe Major of the band.
Originally the band was comprised entirely of police officers, however today’s
band is largely made up of volunteers with a variety of professional
backgrounds. All are experienced musicians including several with a
competitive background that have competed up to the Grade 1 level.
The Vancouver Police Pipe Band has garnered international acclaim,
participating in prestigious events across the globe. The band has travelled to
Portland Oregon, San Francisco, Honolulu, Santa Barbara, Singapore, Hong
Kong, Yokohama Japan, Chiba Japan, Breda Netherlands, Albertville France,
Rome Italy, Quebec City, Calgary Stampede, Portugal, Berlin Germany, Estes
Park Colorado, Nanchang China and Northern India. The Vancouver Police Pipe
Band has also participated multiple times in both The Royal Edinburgh Military
Tattoo and the Basel Switzerland Tattoo. To commemorate the 100th
Anniversary of the band, we were honoured to play at the Changing of the
Guards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace – the first non-military band to do so in
over 300 years of history.
Buckingham Palace 2014
The summer of 2024 has the band travelling to Normandy France and Belgium
to participate with Veterans Affairs Canada to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings at Juno Beach. In addition, we will be travelling and performing at Vimy Ridge and the Menin Gate Ceremony in Ypres Belgium where the ceremony honours soldiers from WW1 every night since 1928.
As custodians of a storied legacy, the band remains steadfast in our mission to
preserve and promote Scottish music and culture. Through our performances,
recordings, and collaborations with artists from diverse backgrounds, we
continue to captivate audiences and bridge cultural divides, leaving an indelible
mark on Vancouver’s cultural landscape. For more information please visit our website at: vpdpipeband.ca
Article submitted by, Owen Reid
