There should be a few people putting their hands up for the Greater Victoria Police Chorus when they come through the North Okanagan in May, but not because they are being arrested.
Comprised of serving, retired and reserve police officers, plus some non-police performing members, the chorus is one of a few police choruses in western Canada, and have a reputation for performing arresting music.
Initially formed in 1984 by officers from Central Saanich, Oak Bay, RCMP, Saanich and Victoria City and the former Esquimalt detachments, the group came together through their love of music, and have built relationships that are both professionally and personally satisfying. They have since been joined by officers from the Royal Ulster, Royal Hong Kong, Cheshire, Leicester City, Toronto, Shelbourne, Orangeville, Regina, Calgary, and Edmonton police forces.
Although sanctioned by the area police chiefs, the chorus operates independently and without any remuneration from the departments they serve.
Chorus members have toured parts of Europe on four different occasions, and have sung in historic cathedrals in the Netherlands, Wales and England. They were also hosts of the first International Police Music Festival in Victoria in 1993, and again in 2000.
Known for singing both modern and traditional pieces, as well as gospel and folk, the chorus regularly performs in all denominations of churches, senior citizen centres, hospitals, civic and charitable events and government venues.
They will be at the Vernon’s Knox Presbyterian Church, 3701 32nd Ave., May 4, and at Armstrong Bible Chapel, May 9 2145 Rosedale Ave., May 9. Both shows start at 7 p.m. Tickets for the Armstrong show are $15 for adults, $10 seniors and students, available at the Armstrong Chamber of Commerce or by calling 250-546-6767.
