For more than 70 years, Papakura Pipe Band has been adding a Scottish flavour to community events across South Auckland.
Formed in 1955, the band proudly wears the Gordon tartan and shares the distinctive sound of bagpipes and drums at community events throughout the region.
The group performs at events such as ANZAC Day, Santa parades, Papakura ParkFEST and Papakura Netball Centre’s Opening Day parade. They also enjoy visiting local rest homes, sharing traditional Scottish music with older members of the community.
When they’re not entertaining local audiences, members are travelling the region to compete against other pipe bands, representing Papakura on the national stage.
But performing is only part of the band’s story.
Pipe Major and Secretary Josh Montgomerie says the group is passionate about developing musicians of all ages, particularly young players, while creating a welcoming, family environment.
Every Tuesday evening the band runs a tuition academy before its regular practice where learners can develop their piping and drumming skills. The programme has become so successful that the band recently established a new Grade 4B learner band to help members make the transition into competition and community performances.
The band’s commitment to developing new talent is paying off. At this year’s New Zealand Pipe Band Championships in Taranaki, Papakura’s Grade 4A band placed third out of 11 bands, while its youth band finished seventh in the national under-19 competition.
Supporting that growth has required more instruments for learners.
Wiri Licensing Trust backed the band’s application to Trillian Trust for funding to purchase practice drum pads, drumsticks and new drums, giving learners more opportunities to practise, perform and progress into the band. The extra equipment has also allowed Papakura Pipe Band to welcome even more new members through its expanding tuition programme.
Wiri Trust General Manager Kim Green says the Trustees are proud to support a group that is keeping an important cultural tradition alive and making it accessible for the next generation.
“Papakura Pipe Band has shared its music with the local community for 70 years while creating opportunities for young people to learn, perform and grow. They are a wonderful example of how music can bring people together across generations.”
The band is inviting everyone in the community to enjoy an evening of Scottish music, dancing and hospitality at its annual Ceilidh fundraiser on 5 September at the Karaka War Memorial Hall. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children. Or grab a family pass for $60.
Or if you are interested in taking up a new hobby, Papakura Pipe Band also offers a free six-week introductory course for anyone interested in learning the bagpipes or drums, Learners of all ages are welcome. Register here.
