Bands in Brief
The full Concert Band performs a showcase of the Band's repertoire and actively supports many charities through performances where thousands of dollars are raised. Hospitals, schools, clubs and retirement homes are familiar venues for the Concert Band, bringing cheer and delight to the audience.
The Parade Band is synonymous with spectacular marching displays and has treated many generations of South Australians to the finest ceremonial parade music and liveliest street processions, resulting in a feeling that it's not quite a real parade unless the Parade Band is playing. Their International achievements to date include the internationally successful Edinburgh Tattoo in 1990 and 2000 as Australia’s representative in the Commonwealth, and the Royal Tournament in London 1998.
Taking their music to the schools in the form of the School Beat Band means children throughout the State have a chance to hear and enjoy a very special presentation. In a unique program, two eight piece bands tour schools and kindergartens, presenting musical instrument information and good community messages tied in with a light hearted music session.
Older students enjoy the nine piece Rock Patrol. Performing mainly at high schools throughout the State, while the Big Band, Dixieland Band and a smaller Jazz Combo "Sons of Zorro" also perform a variety of engagements. These can be anything from official balls through to entertaining the public at shopping centres, bringing the beat to the community.
Demonstrating that the Band really has catered for all tastes the Concert Band breaks into a Brass Quintet, Woodwind Quintet, and Saxophone Quartet to name but a few.
Recognised in professional music circles for their technical skill and held in high regard by their musical peers, these ensembles perform at a host of venues, including church services and Government and Vice Regal functions, proving themselves as musicians of the people and also musicians' musicians!
The State Opera Company, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, The Tourism Commission of South Australia and organisers of the Young Composer of the Year Awards have all called on the Band of the South Australia Police to participate in their productions.
As the only full time band employed by the South Australian Government, the Band performs at well over four hundred community and Government events annually and the demand grows with each passing year.
CD's have been released covering most of the musical categories, becoming an essential part of any music lovers library; the only ideal way to ensure the music plays on after the band has gone home!
While their reputation as excellent musicians receives ever increasing acclaim and well deserved accolades flow in, the Band have become much more than the Band of the South Australia Police; they have become an identifiable part of our South Australian image, part of our history and an exciting part of our future.