Although no complete records remain to tell us the full story of the early Police Bands in Rhodesia, it is known that in I897 the force was able to provide a band to play at the celebration of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in both Salisbury and Bulawayo. Earlier, in I895, the Rhodesia Horse had a band in Salisbury under Bandmaster C. W. Day, and it is possible that from this band a Police Band was formed in I896, when the force was reorganized as the British South Africa Police. Certainly a Police Band was flourishing in 1900, a photograph of that date showing the band to have a complete instrumentation of 25 players under Bandmaster J. Hinds. In Bulawayo at the same period another Police Band was active under the direction of Bandmaster T. Scott and Trumpet Sergeant Major J. F. Mee, both of whom are mentioned in programs of those days as conductors of the Band.

Unfortunately, little more is known of these bands and it would seem that both ceased to function during the first decade of the 20th century, for in 1910 several members of the B.S.A. Police were playing in the Band of the Southern Rhodesia Volunteers, who in that year had a well established band of 28 players under Bandmaster Bater. A close bond of friendship and co-operation has always existed between the forces in Rhodesia, and no doubt the Band of the S.R.V. met the musical needs of the B.S.A.. Police in addition to those of its own unit.

Unfortunately, little more is known of these bands and it would seem that both ceased to function during the first decade of this century, for in 1910 several members of the B.S.A. Polite were playing in the Band of the Southern Rhodesian Volunteers, who in that year had a well established bond of 28 players under Bandmaster Bater. A close bond of friendship and co-operation has always existed between the forces in Rhodesia, and no doubt the Band of the S.R.V. met the musical needs of the B.S.A. Police In addition to those of its own unit.

Not until 1930 did the Police again enjoy the services of a band of its own, when Trumpeter Sergeant Harding formed a drum and fife band from the trumpeters and buglers under his supervision. A drum and fife, band has few possibilities beyond parade music, and shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War steps were taken to provide the force with a band capable of a wider scope of duties. Only a
military band of brass and reed instruments could meet all requirements, and such a band was planned.

Potential bands then having been selected and instruments obtained training commenced under Superintendent M. A. Sparks (then Sergeant) in November 1939. In September 1940 the band made its first public appearance when it took part in the celebrations commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the arrival of the Pioneer Column in Salisbury. Soon the band was in demand throughout Southern Rhodesia and in 1943 paid a goodwill visit to our Portuguese neighbors in Beira. After the war visits were made to Northern Rhodesia and Bechuanaland, and at Lobatsi in Bechuanaland members had the honour of being presented to His Majesty, The Late King George VI.

Today the band has a Director of Music assisted by two Bandmasters, 55 attested musicians and 3 cadet trainees. An average of 160 performances are given annually and include state and civic functions, military parades, religious services, sports meetings and public concerts, whilst an extensive touring program ensures that the band visits II major centers in Rhodesia, together with as many smaller centers as possible, at least once in each year.