Grand plans for the CoT ceremonial unit

Issued by Enterprises University of Pretoria

27 May 2016

Enterprises University of Pretoria (Enterprises UP) has a long-standing and prolific partnership with the City of Tshwane, having offered, and continuing to offer, various training and skills development services to the city. Together, several special projects have been executed, including the latest project which involves providing formal training for members of the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) Ceremonial Unit.

The TMPD band was initially founded in November 2012, with 32 members signing up, with practically no music background or experience. The TMPD band subsequently became the TMPD Ceremonial Unit, being branded one of the Executive Mayor’s special projects. The unit consists of a band, choir and a drill squad that perform exclusively at ceremonial events for the City of Tshwane on a permanent basis.

Recently, formal training was initiated for the whole unit which is now being facilitated by the Department of Music at the University of Pretoria (UP) and Enterprises UP.

With future expectations for the unit to start rendering services to the entire province, the formal training has been prompted by UP to increase the strength and capacity of the unit. The formal band training programme started in January 2016 and runs for 12 months, consisting of theoretical and practical tutorials.

There are currently 16 band members receiving training for the trumpet, trombone, guitar, saxophone, keyboard and percussions.

For more information on Training Solutions visit http://www.enterprises.up.ac.za/training-solutions/

Above: The Ceremonial Unit of the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) in action.

Having played a profound part in the history of South Africa for more than 100 years, the University of Pretoria boasts a lasting legacy that endures through a cluster of innovative and multidisciplinary services rendered through Enterprises University of Pretoria (Pty) Ltd.