Story: Brass and pipe bands

Waitaki District Schools' Pipe Band, 2009

In the 19th century brass bands were set up by British regiments and volunteer forces – and by workplaces, unions and temperance societies. Brass bands entertained at regattas, races, public picnics and protest marches. Originating in Scottish culture, pipe bands featuring bagpipes and drums were also established around the country.

Story by Peter Clayworth
Main image: Waitaki District Schools' Pipe Band, 2009

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Early military and brass bands

Military bands arrived in New Zealand with British soldiers in the mid-1840s, and 11 regimental bands were present during the 1860s New Zealand wars. Volunteer forces also set up bands, and these took part in brass-band competitions from 1880. Military bands played brass and other wind instruments, with drums, and were mostly marching bands.

Workplaces, trade unions and temperance societies formed brass bands. Bands played at regattas, sports events, races, picnics, protests and Labour Day parades.

Military bands, 1900 onwards

Military bands played marches, hymns and anthems at ceremonial events, and popular tunes to entertain the troops and public. In the First World War, each New Zealand Expeditionary Force regiment had its own band, and in the Second World War each army brigade formed a band. The Royal New Zealand Air Force band toured New Zealand and played to New Zealand and US troops in the Pacific. After the war some bands continued on a voluntary basis.

In 2014 there were three official military bands – one each for the navy, army and air force.

Brass bands, 1880s onwards

From the 1880s to the 1910s brass bands were the main form of entertainment at outdoor events. Competitions were popular, and townspeople were proud of their local bands. The Salvation Army set up brass bands and encouraged women musicians. From the 1890s many Māori communities had brass bands, which played at events including hui (meetings) and tangi (funerals). In the 1930s the Rātana Church set up seven brass bands.

After the 1920s other forms of music were available, and brass bands became less popular. In the 2000s brass bands still flourished, with national championships held each year.

Pipe bands

Pipe bands play bagpipes and drums. In the late 19th century two military volunteer units had pipe bands. Civilian pipe bands emerged from Caledonian (Scottish cultural) societies, with the first band set up in Invercargill in 1896, and a Dunedin band established two years later. Bands appeared around the country, and competitions were held from 1907. Pipe bands played at Caledonian Society activities, sports events and agricultural shows. Women’s bands were set up from the 1930s, and from the 1950s women played alongside men. Pipe bands continued in the 2000s, with many towns having one or more.

How to cite this page:

Peter Clayworth, 'Brass and pipe bands', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/brass-and-pipe-bands (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Peter Clayworth, published 22 October 2014