Greater Manchester Police have swapped truncheons for trombones as their band have provided the general public with numbers from Frank Sinatra and Shirley Bassey over the years.
Led by retired police officer Barry Frost and accomplished composer and Royal Northern College of Music graduate, Jonathan Taylor, the group has been running for over 137 years.
Forming in 1877 after a police officer’s funeral in Salford, the group has since burgeoned into a 40-strong symphonic wind orchestra with marching band, 20 person swing band and smaller jazz and saxophone ensembles.
“The public love it,” Mr Frost told MM.
“It makes you feel good to keep the music from the big band era going.
“To watch people that remember the songs, when they hear Moonlight Sonata and In The Mood, you can’t buy the looks on their faces when you do it and that’s what you do it for.”
Mr Frost, a band member for 15 years, plays the soprano, alto and tenor saxophones while Mr Taylor is responsible for conducting and musical performance.
LOUD AND CLEAR: GMP’s band formed in 1877
The bands currently consist of 58 volunteers, including serving policemen and women, retired police officers, support staff, ex-band members, music teachers and members of the wider community.
They play at a variety of events from high profile parades and public ceremonies to local churches and whatever the venue, their aim is the same: to make a difference in the community through music.
In 1974 when GMP was created, the band consisted of 35 full-time police officers who played all over the country representing the force.
But in 1982 it disbanded to include less of those employed full -time by the force, which now only features eight serving officers.
Their repertoires include Last Night of the Proms style music which includes famous covers by big bands such as Glenn Miller and Count Basie as well as Michael Buble, Nat King Cole and Dean Martin songs.
They even make CDS including Concert Favourites (2010) And The Beat Goes On (2008) and The Greater Manchester Police Band (2007).
POLICE PARADE: The marching band perform in Rochdale
The bands have had some negative press in the past with a Taxpayers Alliance spokesman suggesting the public would prefer the money spent on instruments, equipment and travel expenses used to fight crime instead.
However, Mr Frost believes that although the band does cost money to run, funds raised have helped to subsidize their concerts.
“It’s not about us trying to profit from the public,” he said.
“They appreciate getting such a good show and support for their cause.”
Performances by the East Lancashire force have raised over £2,500 in the last two years to help various charities and causes such as the Springhill Hospice in Rochdale.
Earlier this year, the bands helped St Elizabeth’s Church in Aspull raise £700 for a new roof and will perform there again in November.
They are available for public, private, charity or community events.
For information, contact [email protected]
Images via GMP, with thanks
