Our History

Established in 1914, the LAPD Band was comprised entirely of sworn officers and played for police graduations, civic functions and Los Angeles schools. Volunteers assisted the band as their performance needs changed. Following the passage in 1978 of Proposition 13, active police officers had to dedicate their duty hours to enforcement, and, in response, the band was disbanded.

Subsequently, a group of civic leaders, headed by Bob Ahmanson and Gene Rodenberry, formed an all-volunteer band under the direction of John Campbell. Soon after the formation, John Campbell retired. Following a series of directors, the band's current director, Don Holcomb, was appointed.

During the course of its history the band made many changes, but it was during the 1980s that it evolved into the 75 member ensemble it is today. Many of its members are professional musicians who play regularly in local symphonies, radio and television programs, movie studios and prominent "big bands." active and retired professional players from studios, big bands, symphonies, educational professionals as well as talented amateurs. In 1992, Don Holcomb was appointed band director. Under Dr. Holcomb's leadership, the band's venue has expanded to include a variety of performance styles as it now represents the Department and the City of Los Angeles around the country and the world.

Aside from police department, fire department, military and civic performances, the band's role of ambassador has taken it to Mexico, Sweden, Italy, Washington D.C., Ohio and Sacramento. The band has plyed for such events as the dedication ceremony of the California State Police Memorial and the dedication ceremony of the National Police Memorial in Washington, DC, where the band was selected the official band of the the ceremonies.

Under the umbrella of COPS and the baton of Dr. Holcomb, the band continues to flourish and is a source of great pride to the police department and to the "City of Angels" as well. As logistics allow, the LAPD Band will continue to expand its performances and travel schedule. The band is poised and ready to represent the city and the police department wherever it is needed, always helping to build and improve relations between the police department and the city and the public at large.

Local Performances

Police Academy graduation ceremonies for the recruit, reserve, and explorer units
Fire department graduations and memorials
Naval Change of Command ceremonies
Concerts at the Scottish Rite Auditorium and Wilshire Ebel Theater
Medal of Valor Ceremonies
Dedication Ceremonies for the Department of Parks and Recreation
Dedication of the Los Angeles Postal Annex
Dedication of the Police Academy Chapel
Dedication of new Women's Facilities at the Police Academy
Dedication of the SDI Annex
Orange County Sheriff's Memorial celebration
Inauguration of D.A.R.E. program
June Haver Fashion Show for battered wives
Latin Businessmen's Association Awards Ceremony
Los Angeles Street Scene
Los Angeles County Fair
Padres in Chinatown and San Pedro
Highland games in Costa Mesa
Los Angeles Olympics
50th Anniversary Celebration KTTV Channel 11 broadcast sign-on and sign-off
Comedians Against Crime
Inauguration of Chief of Police Willie L. Williams
Army Corps of Engineers Change of Command
Rampart Street Police Station Open House
Hansen Dam Recreation Center Fourth-of-July Celebration
Inauguration of Mayor Richard J. Riordan
Inauguration of Mayor James K. Hahn
Dedication of "Go Gor Broke" Memorial
Big Bear Festival of Music
Little Tokyo community combined with the Tokyo Police Band

National Performances

Dedication of California State Police Memorial
Dedication of National Police Memorial, Washington, DC
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library programs

International Performances

Guadalajara Octoberfest
Rosarito Cinco de Mayo
Mazatlan Mardi Gras
International Police Winter Olympics-Trento, Italy
World Police and Fire Games-Stockholm, Sweden
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip
President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan
President and Mrs. George Bush, Sr.
International Police & Fire Summer Games - Stockholm, Sweden, July 14-25, 1999. Opening Ceremonies for Athletes
The Children's Festival The Stockholm Jazz Festival Concert - Stockholm City Hall

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