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

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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