New Zealand and the Pipe Band Daniel Milosavljevic NZMS Conference November 2009

Are pipe bands in NZ a culture of NZ or a culture of Scotland? Research Overview pipe bands = combined bagpipe and drum ensemble are globally associated with Scotland and military Are pipe bands in NZ a culture of NZ or a culture of Scotland?

Mixed Method Approach Review of historical literature on NZ pipe bands Ethnographic observations at festival Survey responses from festival Interview responses with culture bearers Insider understanding from over 17 years experience

Literature Significant historical literature concerning bagpipe and drum pipe band Scottish emigration Scottish immigration to NZ pipe band history in NZ lack of academic research on culture of pipe bands

International Translocation Scottish emigration since early 17th Mass settlement in Canada, USA, Australia, and eventually New Zealand in mid 19th C Pipe bands spread to places where Scottish cultural and British military influence is Today pipe bands found on every continent and in many diverse places

Case Study Observations Festival chosen as practical and ‘externally valid’ arena for research Annual climax of NZ pipe band culture Ethnographic participant observations made in the field whilst participating Focuses on the presentation of cultural identity for all participants

Surveys and Interviews Surveys used to gain the perspective of other participants at the festival Survey completion by different participants, from extremities of insider to outsider Interviews used to debate the research topic Interview participation from culture bearers with significant experience in NZ pipe bands

Evidence AGAINST Culture of NZ Uniform and dress styles Repertoire and arrangement Well known symbols of Scottish culture Membership and participation mostly from Scottish descendent Responses say “Scottish culture” not NZ Affiliate with other Scottish cultural groups

Evidence for Culture of NZ Symbols and Uniforms Composition, Arrangement & Repertoire Performance influenced by NZ NZ made products and instrumentation Participation reflects multicultural NZ Local associations to local communities Public perception related to function Pipe Bands in NZ are amateur

NZ and the Pipe Band Part of global pipe band culture Unique localised traits Strong and respected pipe bands Other pipe band cultures are more distinctive Need to maintain elite global standards Room to embrace more national identity A part of NZ culture and a culture of NZ