OPS Chorus

LOVE TO SING? The Ottawa Police Chorus is looking for strong experienced singers (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass).   We sing a varied repertoire of classical, popular, and jazz.  Challenging and rewarding.  For more information, please contact 613-236-1222, ext. 6187, or email chorus@ottawapolice.ca.

The internationally renowned Ottawa Police Chorus was formed in 1972 by then Chief Leo Seguin, who wanted to have a chorus perform at police funerals and other police functions. The original chorus was made up of 36 actively working police officers. The Chorus began to sing at schools and senior homes and proved to be a great publicity tool in presenting the police in a bright new image.

At the first National Police Memorial Service in September of 1978 the Chorus hosted members of other Ontario police choruses and formed a mass Chorus of 200 members who performed for thousands of police officers and guests. This has been a tradition since that time and is the most important function performed by the Chorus.

In 1991, they extended membership to both genders of serving and retired police officers, civilian police personnel as well as citizens from the community, all of whom volunteer their time both for rehearsals and performances. Membership of the chorus now reflects the diverse community this police organization serves.

The mission statement of the Ottawa Police Chorus is to promote policing in the community and enhance the image of police officers in general. In an attempt to fulfill their goal, the Chorus performs annually at senior citizen residences and nursing homes and participates in various fundraising efforts with local churches, schools, service clubs, youth groups and other agencies.

The Ottawa Police Chorus is now four-part harmony and is one of the founding members of the Ontario Association of Police Choruses, which is currently comprised of eight other police choruses from Ontario, and several other choruses from parts of Eastern Canada and Quebec.

In 1999, the Ottawa Police Chorus traveled to Germany on a Goodwill tour and established close ties with numerous police choruses in that country. From that trip emerged a joint CD entitled "Ottawa-Carleton Police Chorus Goodwill Tour to Germany 1999" which continues to be popular with their many audiences.

The Ottawa Police Chorus is currently directed by Geoffrey Linklater and accompanied by Carol Gurofsky. Both are very talented and extensively trained musicians.

The Ottawa Police Chorus is always looking for new members from the community who have the necessary qualities to enhance the chorus' current mission.

For further information, please contact us at chorus@ottawapolice.ca.

 

1. 

   Maureen Maguss and Bill Grueschow present John McDermott with commemorative plaque on December 19 2010 concert held at Centrepointe Theatre.

2. 

   The Ottawa Police Chorus on stage at Centrepointe Theatre in concert with John McDermott on December 19 2010. Our Musical Director Geoffrey Linklater presented a donation to John McDermott in support of McDermott House Canada.

3. 

   Members of the Ottawa Police Chorus provided prelude music at the Cullum and DaSilva wedding on October 16 2010 at the Notre Dame Cathedral in downtown Ottawa.