OPS Pipe and Drum band entertains audiences around the world for 50 years

By Carol Macpherson

This year, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Pipe and Drum band celebrates 50 years of entertaining, competition and community service.

Founded in 1969 by Constable David Grant who joined the Ottawa Police Service in the 1950’s, David was a long-time lead drummer for the Cameron Highlanders when he saw the connection between police community relations and music. Proud of his Scottish heritage, he sought to form a pipe and drum band that[RG1]  would bring the two together.

“There were a few fellow police officers in the inaugural band, but it was also an opportunity for players from the community to participate as well,” said David’s oldest son Don, who joined the band in 1971 as a drummer.

The OPS Pipe and Drum band adopted the ‘Red Ross’ Tartan in honour of Ottawa’s first Chief Constable, Roderick Ross and in their new uniforms their mandate was to play in parades, concerts, competitions and police funerals.

“We played pretty much wherever we were asked to play,” said Don.

David’s younger son, also named David, became a drummer as well and the three Grants played together from 1980 – 1985. Shortly after, David Sr. retired from policing but kept on with the band.

Today the OPS Pipe Band falls under the direction of Pipe Major Jamie Ritchie, a Sergeant with OPS and Drum Major Chris Renwick, a Superintendent with the Service. For the last several years they have maintained the reputation of the OPS Pipe and Drum band as a strong competitor who is dedicated to giving back to the community. There are currently over 60 members, enabling the band to compete in Grade 2 competitions and perform at events that have taken them all over the world.

“We’ve been in New York, Bermuda, Normandy, Glasgow and all across Canada,” said Drum Major Renwick, who can trace his Scottish ancestry to a relative who sailed from Glasgow in the 1850’s for a farmstead near London, Ontario.

When asked for a specific highlight, Chris said, “It was a thrill to play with Sir Paul McCartney at the Scotiabank Place in 2009. I would also say what a great honour it was to play at Carnegie Hall for the 9/11 anniversary memorial concert by the NYPD Pipe Band in 2003. ”

Pipe Major Jamie Ritchie was initially forced to take up the pipes at the age of nine, against his will. “My mother was a highland dance instructor and even though I was more interested in sports, she insisted,” he said.

However, his fondness for playing the pipes grew and he joined the OPS Pipe and Drum band in 1997, five years before becoming a police officer.

His biggest moments include two world championship competitions in Glasgow, Scotland.

A look back over the 50 year history must include mention of Pat Hayes and his son Andrew. Pat became the Pipe Major in 1983 until his untimely death in 2005. During his tenure he added a team of highland dancers to the unit, taking the band’s performances to another level. He cultivated ties with police bands across the United States, which resulted in the invitation to play at the 911 memorials in New York City. He was equally successful in his police career, rising to the rank of Superintendent.

From 1976 to 2004 Pat was the lone piper on top of the Parliament Buildings at the National Police and Peace Officers Memorial Service. After his death, his son Andrew, already a long-time member of the OPS Pipe and Drum band, took over this role. Over the years Andrew has developed into one of the top professional pipers in the world.  His talent and leadership have attracted many of the top pipers and drummers in Eastern Ontario to come and play with the band resulting in great success in Grade Two and Grade One pipe band competitions from 2012 to 2016.

Summer remains the busiest season for the OPS Pipe and drum band. You can see them next at the Dairy Fest in Winchester on August 10, the Richmond Fair on September 20 and on National Memorial Service on September 29.

Jamie wants pipers and drummers to know, there’s always room for more members. For more information about joining, contact the Ottawa Police Service Pipe Band and highland dancers at pipeband@ottawapolice.ca