If you’ve heard the bagpipes ringing out across Wellington recently, you’re not mistaken.
The capital has just hosted the biggest piping and drumming summer school in the Southern Hemisphere.
About 130 pipers and drummers from around the country as well as Australia and Canada have been in Wellington for an intense week of learning.
Liam Kernaghan, the president of the Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands’ Association, said it’s for all ages and stages.
“It’s basically an opportunity to come and hone your skills, make some new mates and have a lot of fun along the way.”
Teenagers Hope and Grace Barnes have come from Canada especially for the camp.
“We won a scholarship to come over here and it just so happened we could do a house swap with someone here so it was the perfect opportunity,” said Grace Barnes, who plays the bagpipes.
Her sister Hope said it was a great way to forge friendships.
“I like being able to meet new people who love it just as I do.”
The camp has been going for about 40 years and reflect New Zealand’s strong history of pipe bands.
“New Zealand is an absolute world better when it comes to bagpipes and drums. We’ve got the most grade one, top level pipe bands per capita outside of Scotland,” said Liam Kernaghan.
The tuition is led by one of the world’s best pipers, Matt Wilson, who was brought over from Scotland.
“It’s really impressive actually. It’s great to see so many young people involved and it’s great to see adult learners as well. So it’s a case of you’re never too old to learn the skill.”
He said patience is the key to becoming a good bag piper.
“It’s a difficult instrument. I would go as far to say it’s one of the most difficult instruments you could ever choose to play.”
Liam Kernaghan said piping and drumming is currently enjoying a “renaissance period in New Zealand.”
“We’re seeing so many young people come through right now, and for an art form like ours that’s really important.”
