Bagpipes & bass drums infuse new energy in police force

Pune: These men in khaki actually dress up in bright red and golden colours. They are equally adept at handling a rifle and a bagpipe and take great pride in keeping alive a British era tradition which is still not known to many.

Meet the teams that marched and performed at the 17th all India Police Band Competition at the grounds of State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) on Tuesday.

Behind the symmetrical formations and pitch-perfect musical performances is long hours of practice and rigorous training sessions. Constable Navnath Ugal Mugale, the instructor for Maharashtra pipe band this year, said, "At least six hours of daily practice is necessary to present such energetic tunes before an audience and match the internationally known standards. For these policemen, who have a humble but tough countenance, discipline and rigorous training before the yearly competition is intrinsic to life."

"Playing in tune and in sync with others is the most crucial thing. Bagpipes are especially tough to learn and master and it takes at least two and half years for the same," said Mugale, who joined the SRPF after serving in Army for 20 years where he played the bagpipe with equal elan.

"Playing for the band gives added energy and zest and makes me feel one with my mates," he added.

Suresh Kumar, special inspector general (IG) of police (SRPF), Pune Range, said, "We look for those who have a knack for music. The selection process may take up to two months. The training for the annual competition starts about six months in advan ce." Kumar is also the secretary of the central organizing committee this year.

Besides the elaborate and grand uniforms, which remind one of royalty, the instruments and tunes used by the band players are in sync with the global brass and pipe bands in use.

Despite its global appeal, the participants at the SRPF ground did not appear perturbed on hearing the complex foreign names or westernized music.

The tunes that have been decided for the performances this year include some difficult compositions such as Rossini's last Opera ­ William Tell, which will be done as the overture by the brass band and the popular Irish pipe band tunes, Portree Bay and the Glendaruel Highlanders.

The instruments these bands work with include the clarinet, trumpet, bass drum, French horn, trombone, eup honium and the baton ­ which is the most prestigious instrument, held by the one who has the talent and has been chosen to act as a conductor.

Puneites, some of whom were ignorant of the art, got a glimpse of it in the last few days as various state and police force bands performed at popular public places such as Shaniwarwada, Balgandharva chowk, Alka Talkies, Sarasbaug, Amanora and Phoenix City Mall.

The police bands are in service throughout the year and are called to perform at various state and citizen-led functions the rates varying according to the event. The 60member bands from India's police forces are also trained to support police bandobast during festivals such as Ganapati and other similar events.

This year, 26 police force teams participated in the na tional police band competition, which saw a healthy, but tough competition.

Officials of the Maharashtra SRPF are confident that the state team will be among the top teams this year. "While the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Border Security Force (BSF) have been the favourites and subsequent winners in previous competitions, we are hopeful that Maharashtra team will make its mark this time," said MV Cheningund, superintendent of police.

"We have called trainers from the Army and have put in a rigorous course in place.Hence, the expectations are high," he added.

While the Mumbai Police band is around 80 years old, Pune's band was setup some years back ­ brass band in 2011 and the pipe band in 2013.Many of the Pune band's members have made it to the state team this year.