The Band of The West Yorkshire Police
The West Yorkshire Police Band has entertained the public for over a century in one guise or another. The origins of the band begin with the Bradford City Police Band which was formed in 1899, with Leeds City Police Band following some fifteen years later. In 1974 the Leeds and Bradford forces amalgamated to form part of The West Yorkshire Metropolitan Police, and both bands merged at that time to become The West Yorkshire Police Band.
Initially the band was military in style, with woodwind, brass and percussion. In 1984 a new ethos was agreed and from that date the band has been styled in the traditional Brass Band format. Originally composed of only serving Police Officers, the band now also draws from the wider Police Family, retired Police officers, and members of the public.
Since its inception, the Band has entertained audiences across West Yorkshire and the UK and most recently as its reputation has grown has gone International, in aide of charitable organisations channelling proceeds to the West Yorkshire Police Community Trust, The Forget me Not Trust and the British Legion to name but a few. The West Yorkshire Police Community Trust focuses its grant programme on the promotion of a Safer Community with over £100,000 being awarded through grants.
The West Yorkshire Police Band primarily perform for the entertainment of the community within West Yorkshire. Our concert programme varies from classical to rock to solemn and uplifting and cater for all tastes.
The band has taken part in the D-Day celebrations on the 6th of June with the Normandy Branch of the Royal British Legion . The Band has led the parade on the 65th Anniversary at Pegasus Bridge a pivotal point in the landings at D-Day and appeared in concert at venues in the Normandy area. We have also been guests of the Last Post Association in Ypres, Belgium to perform at the Last Post Ceremony under the Menin Gate and in surrounding cemeteries and memorials including Tyne Cot and Theipval.
The Band has one of the few remaining Police Fanfare Trumpet Teams in the country, which can vary in size from four to twelve persons. The Team have performed at numerous ceremonial events including the annual opening service for The North Eastern Circuit of Judges, Magistrates and Members of the Legal Profession at York Minster. In 2006 they played at Wakefield Cathedral for the visit by Her Majesty the Queen to distribute the Maundy Money.
We carry out parades in either Leeds or Bradford for Remembrance Day and have done passing out parades for a number of police forces within the UK. The Band took part in parades in both Huddersfield and Wakefield to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the ending of World War 2. We also travelled to Holland and performed at the famous Nijmegen Marches. In 2005 the band appeared as a massed band with South Yorkshire Police Band at The Lord Mayor of London Parade
New York 9/11 Commemorations
The band has been privilaged to be invited to New York on two occasions to help commemorate the 5th and 10th anniversaries of 9/11
In September 2006 on the 5th anniversary the Band played at the site of the British Memorial Garden, Hanover Square in Manhattan. Whilst in America the Band also performed for the local community of Long Valley, New Jersey who kindly provided members of the band with accommodation during their stay.
In September 2011 for the 10th Anniversary we were invited back to New York once again. The band played at concerts in New Jersey at the Fairleigh Dickinson University and at the NYPD Museum in Lower Manhatten. On 9/11/11 the band played at the British Memorial Garden along with the Allied Forces Pipes and Drums and the combined choirs of Tayside Police, Lothian & Borders and In Chorus.
Band CD
Over the weekend of 13th and 14th March 2010 the band recorded a CD at St Marys Chruch in Mirfield. The proceeds of the CD are to be split between The Help for Heroes Charity and The National Police Memorial Trust.
The cost of the CD is £10 P&P and is available from the Force Band Manager at the contact details below
PC Keith Williams
West Yorkshire Police Band
C/O Sowerby Bridge Police Station,
Station Road,
Sowerby Bridge
HX6 3AB.
Tel: 01422 318158
E-mail: kw337@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
Musical Director
Captain Gary Clegg LTCL, LRSM, psm
Captain Gary Clegg was appointed as Musical Director of the West Yorkshire Police Band in January 2006. He joined us after 23 years service in Army Music, during which time he has performed throughout Europe, Australia, North America and Japan as both trombone player and conductor.
In 1989, Gary was selected to attend the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall to study as a Student Bandmaster. During the 3 years course Gary won prizes for both composing and arranging, including a Premiere in the Royal Albert Hall. He graduated in 1992 having been awarded the Choral, Professor’s and Ministry of Defence examinations prize.
Gary’s first posting as Bandmaster was with The Gloucestershire Regiment in 1993, and in 1994, he was appointed Bandmaster of The Prince of Wales Division (Clive). In March 1997, Gary was appointed Bandmaster of the Coldstream Guards, and in 2000 was commissioned and had the honour to be appointed Director of Music, The King’s Division Normandy Band.
Engagements
Please keep checking website for further announcements and confirmation of times
2012
February
Thursday 23rd February 2012 – Police Only Long Service and Good Conduct Ceremony, FTS, Bishopgarth, Wakefield
March
Friday 16th March 2012 - Police Only Force Excel Awards TBC
Thursday 22nd March 2012- Police Only Long Service and Good Conduct Ceremony, FTS, Bishopgarth, Wakefield
April
Saturday 14th April 2012 - Concert With Skelmanthorpe Male Voice Choir, Ossett Town Hall, Ossett 7.30pm
Sunday 22nd April 2012 - Parade & Service Scouts parade, Wakefield 1:30pm
Sunday 29th April 2012 - Concert With Wakefield AOS, Theatre Royal, Wakefield 7:15pm
May
Thursday 3rd May 2012 - Police Only Long Service and Good Conduct Ceremony, FTS, Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Saturday 12th May 2012 - Concert St Paul's Church, Hanging Heaton, Batley 7 pm
Friday 18th May 2012 - Concert St Bart’s Church Ripponden 7:30pm
Tuesday 22nd May - Fanfare Team Mayoral Inauguration, Bradford Town Hall , Bradford 10.00am
June
Sunday 3rd to 7th June 2012 - Parades & Concerts D-Day Commemorations, Normandy, France TBC
Thursday 14th June 2012 - Police Only Long Service and Good Conduct Ceremony, FTS, Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Saturday 17th June 2012 - Concert TBC
Saturday 30th June 2012 - Parade and Service Veterans Day Parade, Halifax
July
Tuesday 17th July 2012 - Chief Constables Summer Concert Queen Elizabeth Grammer School, Wakefield 7.30pm
Saturday 21st July 2012 –Concert St James Church, Church Lane, Chapelthorpe, Wakefield. 7:30pm
Thursday 26th July 2012 - Police Only Long Service and Good Conduct Ceremony, FTS, Bishopgarth, Wakefield
August
Saturday 18th August 2012 - Ten Piece Sun pavilion in Harrogate TBC
September
Thursday 6th September 2012 - Police Only Long Service and Good Conduct Ceremony, FTS, Bishopgarth, Wakefield
October
Thursday 11th October 2012 - Police Only Long Service and Good Conduct Ceremony, FTS, Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Saturday 13th October 2012 - Concert St Philips Community Centre, Briarlyn Road, Birchencliffe, Huddersfield 7:30pm
Saturday 27th October 2012 - Concert St Michael's Church, East Ardsley, Wakefield 7.30pm
November
Wednesday 7th to Tuesday 13th November - Parades and Concerts Ypres, Belgium TBC
Thursday 15th November 2012 - Police Only Long Service and Good Conduct Ceremony, FTS, Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Friday 23rd November 2012 - Concert Elland Cricket Club, Elland 7.30pm
December
Wednesday 12th December 2012 - Chief Constables Xmas Concert Venue TBC
Thursday 20th December 2012 - Police Only Long Service and Good Conduct Ceremony, FTS, Bishopgarth, Wakefield
Booking and Contact Details
For availability, fees, bookings and general enquiries, please contact the Band Manager, PC Keith Williams at the following address and telephone number:
West Yorkshire Police Band
c/o Sowerby Bridge Police Station
Station Road
Sowerby Bridge
HX6 3AB
Tel: 01422 318158
E-mail: kw337@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
The band practices on a Monday and Thursday in the lecture theatre at The Force Training School, Bishopgarth, Wakefield 20:00 till 21:30 new players always welcome.