Musical director: Paul Andrews
The Band & Drums of the Cheshire Constabulary is the official music ensemble of the Cheshire Police and looks back on over 60 years of history. It was originally founded in the 1950s as the Stockport Borough Police Band. Since then, it has developed into a versatile wind orchestra with its own drumming section, which now performs throughout Cheshire, the United Kingdom and internationally.
The ensemble consists of around 35 dedicated musicians from a wide variety of professional backgrounds. Membership of the band is not restricted to police officers – all members play on a voluntary basis and invest their free time in rehearsals, performances and competitions. This diversity gives the band a special sense of community and dynamism. Musically, the band has a broad repertoire. It performs concerts in large halls as well as at local events, parades, charity concerts and school projects. The band’s smaller ‘combo’ also allows for performances in a compact line-up, for example in retirement homes, educational institutions or at official events.
Particularly impressive is the Corps of Drums, which provides impressive percussion interludes during marching or ceremonial performances in traditional police uniforms. The band is also active on the British competition scene. Since 2009, it has participated in regional competitions every year. It started in the ‘unclassified’ category and successfully worked its way up to the First Section. The band currently competes in the Third Section. The orchestra has also been successful at the international level. Since 2010, the band has undertaken independently organised and financed concert tours, including to Germany and Austria. These performances not only consolidate the band’s musical quality, but also its role as a musical and cultural ambassador for the Cheshire Police.
Today, the band stands for musical commitment, cultural exchange and a strong community. It thrills its audience with a varied repertoire, a high musical standard and a deep passion for brass music – whether in concert halls, on the street or on international stages.