REGINA - The Saskatchewan RCMP Pipes & Drums Band youth teaching program accepts candidates of all musical skill levels, and they are looking for new members.
In June, the Saskatchewan RCMP Pipes & Drums took part in the Annual Ceremonial Review of the 34 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets, at the Elphinstone Armoury in Regina. The band has been running a youth teaching program with the unit for a number of years. The program provides its participants with support and mentorship, along with perks like travel and performance opportunities.
“We’ve had people join bands going to China, Scotland, the Netherlands, Switzerland. Across Saskatchewan, our band represents the RCMP by playing at Mosaic, community parades in Indian Head, Moose Jaw, and various RCMP functions and ceremonies,” notes S/Sgt. John Llambias.
S/Sgt. Llambias has a storied history with youth mentorship. He began his career as a school teacher before joining the RCMP, and has participated in a myriad of community groups over the years including Boy Scouts and coaching youth sports. The youth program allows the RCMP to be involved with the community, and lets its members have a positive influence in young people’s lives.
“It is so refreshing to meet families in the community, particularly youth. The community becomes your home, rather than just a place you work. In the police world, as the basis of community policing, we’re always looking for ways to try and have a different influence, meet people in the community, and try and have that positive effect, and I’ve found that through our youth program. Kids need mentors. We provide a place where they can get that support, and then become community minded leaders themselves. As a teacher, you always want somebody to accept that gift [of mentorship]. When someone does, gets the most out of it, learns confidence, organization and discipline, and then wants to give back, that’s a really rewarding feeling,” states S/Sgt. Llambias.
For the first time this year, the band’s drumming instructor, Excellence Agun, is a graduate of the program. “To have a student achieve this measure of success is a great source of pride for the band, but to have one return as a volunteer to teach other youth is a sign of good character, and a tremendous example of success for both the Cadet and the RCMP Pipe Band programs, in teaching citizenship and leadership,” S/Sgt. Llambias noted.
The band is made up of civilians from the community and members of the RCMP who volunteer their time. It is an example of the RCMP’s commitment to community policing and the people and youth of Saskatchewan. The band has fostered community ties over the years, like playing alongside the Grey Buffalo Singers at the Queens Diamond Jubilee ceremonies in Regina in 2012, and at a George Gordon First Nation powwow.
If anyone is interested in more information, please contact S/Sgt. John Llambias ([email protected]).
