February 1999 Volume 80 Number 2 "serving the protectors"
Band takes SA to the World
By Natalie Hamden

The Band of the South Australia Police enjoyed a successful appearance at London’s Royal Tournament last year. It won considerable international recognition for South Australia over the two weeks of the tournament as it performed for more than 250,000 Europeans. Intense media coverage was attracted when the band stopped traffic by marching along The Stand from Charing Cross Police Station to Australia House with the Australian All Star Dance Team.

In recognition of its 114 years’ service to the South Australian community and Australian (overseas) audiences, the band was presented with the keys to the city of Adelaide by the Lord Mayor, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith.

Following the band’s London success, moves are under way by Edinburgh Festival organizers to have it perform at the 2000 Military Tattoo. It’s now 10 years since the band first appeared at the Tattoo.

A security alarm company has already responded to this invitation with an exclusive offer to police personnel. Anyone interested should contact the band for details.

Meanwhile, with its school programs, the band remains busy throughout metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia. Its 10-piece rock-pop group, Rock Patrol, performs mainly in country area and high schools. Local police officers and well-known sports stars participate in the program to promote healthy living. The School Beat Bands are popular at primary schools and kindergartens - they combine safety education and musical entertainment.

Other smaller groups have been invited to perform at Westfield Arndale as SAPOL public relations representatives. They have also appeared for numerous community organizations at significant events.

The full 35-piece band is appearing at major concerts for such organizations as Rotary in appreciation of its tireless community work. The 17-piece stage band and singers continue to evolve and diversify in ways which are reaching much broader audiences.

While the band dedicates itself to local commitments, its international profile continues to grow. Accordingly, it extends its gratitude to the people of South Australia and local companies for their support.

... and the Band's Christmas Offering
- a review

By Tracy White

The Christmas concert performed by the Band of the South Australia Police was a crowd-pleaser to be remembered. And the Adelaide Town Hall was the perfect venue for the December 8 show.

A programme of both traditional and modern music - with the occasional sing-a-long Christmas carol - kept everyone entertained. The band played to a full house, including distinguished guests, Governor Sir Eric Neale and Lady Neale.

The band’s rendition of the William Tell Overture earned a rousing response from the audience - it was the highlight of the evening. Vocalist, Natalie Hamden, sang a stirring version of the theme from Titanic, My heart will go on.

Father Christmas and some of his helpers managed a surprise visit and broadcast lollies throughout the crowd. Some band members showed a hidden talent with an entertaining dance routine to Zorba the Greek.

A video tape of the band’s recent trip to the Royal Tournament in London was lengthy but highlighted the immense preparation involved. Unfortunately the quality and duration of the video detracted from an otherwise highly entertaining performance.

The evening’s mixture of light-hearted comedy and fine music earned rapturous applause from a greatly appreciative audience.

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