Nottscops Making Music
The Nottinghamshire Police Band was first established around 1896. Since that date, the Band has undergone several name changes and developments in style and composition. In its early days, the band was very much a Military Band with brass and woodwind with very limited percussion. There is some reference to the Band actually having a string section but the feeling is that if that did actually happen it was very short lived!
The band was temporarily disbanded during the Second World War and was reinstated around about 1948 by Captain Popkiss the then Chief Constable. At that time, membership was open only to serving officers. This was later relaxed to members of the Special Constabulary. In 1953 Hucknall-born composer Eric Coates wrote a piece especially for the City Force Band, entitled "Men of Trent". Coates then went on to compose the famous march for the film, "The Dambusters"
The Band has been in existence over the years under various titles, including The Combined Band of the Nottinghamshire Special Constabulary, the Nottinghamshire Police Wind Orchestra and is now called the Nottinghamshire Police Band.
The Band is staffed by serving Police Officers, retired Police personnel and musicians from many other walks of life. Currently, there are 54 musicians on the books. Occupations range from a Tax Inspector to a Bus Driver, from a School Teacher to a Veterinary Nurse. It really is a community Band open to musicians from all walks of life and of a good standard of playing.
The Band meets on Wednesday evenings at the National Geological Survey, Nicker Hill Keyworth where they enjoy the facilities of the De La Besh Hall in which to rehearse. They have a relatively small commitment to "in house" engagements within the force where they play at a number of formal occasions throughout the year. Other than that, they are very much out in the community playing at various locations for charity, The Band in recent months has raised money for a variety of Charities, including Age Concern, the Air Ambulance, the Pet Bereavement Councilling Service and Barnados to name but a few.
Thanks to Gary Glover A.R.C.M.,Director of Nottinghamshire Police Band)
Please visit the Band's website at www.nottinghamshirepoliceband.com for further information and news including details of future concerts
