Local pipe bands merge under new LPS banner

By Lethbridge Herald on January 31, 2025.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman LPS Inspector Jason Dobirstein, flanked by Scott Sinclair of the the Bridge City Highlander Pipes and Drums, and Tom Wilson of the Lethbridge Legion Pipe Band, talks with reporters Thursday at the police station.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – apulido@lethbridgeherald.com

Lethbridge Police Service announced Thursday the formation of the Lethbridge Police Service Band, after a Memorandum of Understanding between LPS and two community pipe bands was officially signed. 

LPS Inspector Jason Dobirstein told media Thursday that last week, a MOU was signed between Lethbridge Police, the Lethbridge Legion Pipe Band and the Bridge City Highlanders Pipes and Drums, amalgamating the two groups and marking the creation of the new Lethbridge Police Service Pipe Band. 

“Band members will wear the Prince Charles Edward Stuart tartan, a vibrant blend of red and dark green and complimented by yellow, blue and white stripes,” said Dobirstein. “The colours symbolize strength, resilience and a connection to the land.”

The newly formed band is considered a ceremonial unit within LPS and will perform at internal and external events.

“The band is comprised of police and civilian volunteers who will serve as ambassadors to LPS and continued to promote, promote and grow the traditions of Scottish music in Southern Alberta through performance an instruction,” said Dobirstein. 

Both the Legion and Bridge City Highlanders bands are well known in the community, and Dobirstein is looking forward to the many opportunities they will have to continue engaging with residents under the auspices of the Lethbridge Police Service.

Scott Sinclair, representing the Bridge City Highlander Pipes and Drums, will be serving as the upcoming Pipe Major and told reporters on their behalf he wanted to thank LPS for their efforts in making this come to fruition. 

“We’re very excited by the opportunity to be to be representing LPS in ceremonial and community events and are excited by the opportunities that this will present,” said Sinclair. 

He said he hopes this merger allows them to grow and further their objectives of promoting the traditions of Scottish music within Lethbridge and southern Alberta.

Tom Wilson, who represented the Lethbridge Legion Pipe Band, explained that they needed to consolidate the two bands into one, to ensure they could continue to provide piping and drumming services in southern Alberta.

“Individually, it was becoming challenging for each band to ensure proper numbers to attend and support community events and functions,” said Wilson. 

He added that becoming a volunteer member with the LPS team has provided stability for their band, with dedicated storage, practice space, and other supports to allow their Pipe Band to function properly. 

“It also provides us with the opportunity to help support the LPS with community outreach and engagement, highlighting the great work they do in our community every day,” said Wilson.  “I can’t state strong enough how excited we are to be part of the Lethbridge Police Service Pipe Band.”

The first official performance of the Lethbridge Police Pipe Band is scheduled for Saturday at the “Bringing Hearts Home Gala,” a fundraising event in support of the Southern Alberta Cardiac Centre of Excellence.

The Lethbridge Police Pipe Band is available to play at community events and anyone interesting in booking the band can visit https://www.lethbridgepolice.ca/about-us/pipe-band/ for more information.