Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery

Last updated
Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery
Volunteer Military Band affiliated to 16 Field Regiment New Zealand Artillery
New Zealand. Royal Artillery Band, Auckland, 1913.jpg
Band in 1912
Short nameRoyal NZ Artillery Band
Founded1864
LocationPanmure, Auckland
Music directorWO1 Steven Booth (2015 - )
Website https://www.rnzartilleryband.co.nz/

The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery (abbreviated to Royal NZ Artillery Band) is a voluntary military band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery. [1] The band is based in the south eastern Auckland suburb of Mount Wellington, and was part of the Army Reserve (Territorial Force) up until 2012. The Band has an agreement with 16th Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery, which allows the band to retain its name and uniform.

Contents

The band has performed at a range of events including:

As of 2021, the band is the oldest surviving military band in the country. The band celebrated its centenary in 1964 [2] and its 150th anniversary in 2014. [3]

History

Early years

After the arrival of the 58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment of Foot in 1845, many were discharged and transferred to the Band of the Auckland Volunteer Rifles, formed in 1858. [4] [5] The first documented public appearance of the band was chronicled in The New Zealander newspaper on 23 October 1860. One of its last duties was to play during the laying-up of the colours of the 58th. [6] From this earlier band the modern band was founded in 1864. [7] [8] 12 years later, the band became the first musical groups to perform God Defend New Zealand , the future national anthem. [9] [10]

1870s to early 1905

From approximately 1869 to 1905, the band was directed by bandmaster Lieutenant Andrew R. Hunter, born in Thames NZ of a famous brass band family. For some time, the band was known as "Hunter's Band" after the popular leader. The band visited Wellington tin1885 to compete in the band contest [11] and was asked to play for Sir George Grey, and later invited to Bellamys in the House of Parliament. It was during this visit that Sir George was alleged to have referred to the Artillery Band as "his boys". [12] [13] Over these years, the band played at various civic events, such as the 1899 Auckland Industrial and Mining Exhibition, [12] concerts and dances, [14] and other band contests. In 1886, the Government decided to support only one band in each town and to call it the Garrison Band. The band was allowed to retain the title Artillery. [12]

1905 to 1918

After Lt. Hunter's tenure, Mr J. Ewart directed the band from 1905 to 1906, and then Mr E. Williams and Mr. P. Williams from 1906 to 1907 and 1907-08 respectively. During the early 1910s, band practices were held in an old shed in Sale Street, Freeman's Bay, under the baton of Lieutenant G. F. Cater (Bandmaster 1908–1926). Lt. Cater was born in Thames, NZ in 1871. In 1912, the band moved to a new space on the top floor of a building on the corner of Albert and Wellesley Streets. At about this time, the Band - a volunteer unit - was taken into the territorials for compulsory training. This in turn meant a change from the Band's blue uniforms to khaki. A further change in band rooms saw the Artillery in the Drill Hall at Rutland Street, shared with the Mounted Rifles Band. Subsequently, a fire was to damage fifty years' worth of music collection due to water damage from the attempt to save the building. [15] Prior to the First World War, there were plenty of engagements for the Band, such as picnics, [16] sports meetings, shows and races. [12] In early 1914, the band, which at this stage had a mixed set of older instruments, ordered a full set of class A Boosey instruments. In August of that year war broke out, and the instruments were lost at sea as a result of enemy action. [12] A new set eventually arrived in 1916. [12] [17]

Auckland Artillery Band, circa 1930, by William Oakley. Auckland Artillery Band 1930.jpg
Auckland Artillery Band, circa 1930, by William Oakley.

In 1915, the Band celebrated its 50th jubilee with a social held in the Druid's Hall, Newton. [18]

First World War

With the outbreak of war the Band volunteered as a unit to go overseas, however the Army authorities keep the Band at Fort Cautley, Takapuna. One or two members, however, did serve overseas. The Band marched troops from the Drill Hall to the old Auckland railway station at the back of the Chief Post Office, playing for almost every batch of troops which left Auckland. Other duties involved manning guns and searchlights at Fort Cautley during four hour shifts at night, and playing for patriotic ventures and recruiting for the army. A few members of the Band helped in the armed escort of Count Felix von Luckner to Motuihe Island, and after his escape they also helped rig guns on the cable ship Iris which was sent out in pursuit. Married men in the band were allowed to work during the day, but had do their four-hour shifts. [12]

1918-1939 Inter-war Years

After the war ended, the Band resumed normal functions and activities. A highlight of each year was competing in national band competitions. Of note, the Band often one the 'quickstep' competition. Band competitions were attended in: 1921, Wellington; 1922, Nelson; 1923, New Plymouth, 1924, Palmerston North; 1925, Auckland; 1926, Dunedin at the New Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition. At the Exhibition in Dunedin, the Band stayed at the barracks at St. Kilda and Lieutenant J.T. Lighton was conductor. Due to bad weather before the Quickstep, the expert band marching trainer from the NZ Staff Corps, Major T. P. Laffey, who had been Drum Major from 1923 to 1924, ordered and got steel golf spikes for the bandsmen's boots. These were put on in a working bee that went well into the evening. The next morning the Band paraded "booted ans spurred." The studs did the job and the Band marched to victory in the Quickstep competition. At this 1926 contest, the Band met up with a visiting unit, The 2nd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Band [19] under Major Frederick Ricketts. Under the pen name Kenneth Alford, it was he who wrote such famous marches as Coloney Bogey, Great Little Army, Thin Red Line and others. The Band continued to strive to attend contests over the following years under a number of directors of music. Mr C. Hayes (1927), Lt. E. Tregilgas (1927-28), Mr. S. Martin (1928–29), Mr. W. Smith (1929-1932 and 1935–36), Mr. H. Dunn (1932–34), Mr. A. Taylor (1933-35), Capt. G. Buckley V.D. (1936–39). [12]

World War Two

From 1940, the band was under the baton of Lieut. H. Christensen. In January 1941, the Band was mobilised for war-time training and moved to Waiouru Military Camp. The Band spent three and a half months in camp, training each day and performing a daily Retreat ceremony. In addition to the daily routine, the Band performed at the changing of the guard and at Officers Mess. The Band members were to expected to become efficient as stretcher bearers and received lectures from the camp doctor on elementary first aid. At conclusion of camp the Band accompanied the 38th Battery on a motorised trek back to Auckland, terminating at Narrow Neck Military Camp. The Band marched up through Queen Street to disperse back into civilian life at the Rutland St. Drill Hall. The Band was once again fully mobilised in January 1942, and sent to Hopu Hopu Camp, near Ngaruawahia and attached to 1st Field Regiment, New Zealand Artillery under the command of Colonel L. P. Leary. Colonel Leary was determined that every man would be able to play an active part in the Regiment if called upon. Consequently, the bandsmen were required to do fun training, rifle practice, signaling courses and truck driving. After four months at Hopu Hopu the Regiment and Band moved to the field camp at Bombay Hills. This was the time of the Japanese invasion scare and it was announced that the Regiment was digging in to defend one of the approaches to Auckland. About this time Lieut. Christensen retired due to heart trouble.

W.O.II F. B. Smyth took command, and a critical stage in the Band's history took place. Different batteries of the Regiment absorbed a certain number each of bandsmen with the result that the Band was in grave danger of losing its identity. With winter closing in, lack of suitable practice quarters and difficulties in getting together a whole band, it appeared that the hitherto unbroken service of the unit was about to be terminated. However, at this stage strong representation was made in the right quarters to such effect that the Band was retained by the Army as a separate unit. The Band was posted to the Northern Military School of Instruction at Narrow Neck Camp. This school as primarily maintained for the purpose of officer cadet training. Duties of the Band at Narrow Neck were mainly band work. A big event in the life of the Band took place with the arrival of US Troops in June 1942. [20] The Band entertained troops arriving at the wharfs and was a forerunner of similar event thereafter: Playing troopships in to berth, leading troops from the wharves to the Auckland Railway station, playing at hospitals and the Red Cross vessel "Solace" which regularly called at Auckland.

Later years

In 1963, the Band played at the opening of the National Women's Hospital, which was formally opened by the Queen Mother. At the time, the band had played at every Royal visit to New Zealand. [21] During the civic parade of the 4 Troop, New Zealand Special Air Service in May 1971 organised to welcome home the units during the Vietnam War, protesters attempted to block the progress of the band through the city. [22] In October 1973, the band changed its name from the Northern Military District to its current name. [23] On 24 September 1995, Major F. F. Whiting opened the current rehearsal band rooms that the band uses to this day.

Financial assistance

In the 1960s, the band formed an advocacy association to help with its financial backing. [24] The Auckland City Council has also give financial assistance to the band, giving it in April 1970 a grant of $5,000 to establish a permanent rehearsal hall in the city. [25] In the fall of 1974, the band spend up to $20,000 on instruments and uniforms. [26] The band has also received donations from other brass bands, including the Auckland City Silver and Boys' Band. [27]

2012 re-organization

This was a result of a 2012 decision to stop public government funding from going to reserve bands, effectively dissolving bands such as the artillery band, which was then based in Maungarei/Mount Wellington. It formerly received around $112,000 a year for providing support to communities from Kaitaia to Palmerston North from the New Zealand Defense Force. Bob Davis, secretary of the Auckland Artillery Band Association criticized the decision saying it was "unnecessary, expensive and flawed". [28] [29] In April 2013, then Bandmaster Dennis Schofield WO1, revealed a need for the band to expand, saying that an extra 10 members would be needed to join the then 26 members to meet its demands for services that follow over the five years that follow. [30]

Recordings

During the week of October 9, 1964, the band of the Royal New Zealand Artillery Northern Military District, station in Auckland, celebrated its centenary. To end of weekend of centennial celebrations then bandmaster Captain Smyth mustered together a band of present and past players, 100 strong, to perform at a spectacular concert in the Auckland Town Hall. The concert was recorded in the Town Hall on October 11, 1964, by the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation and a record was produced. [31]

In 1988, the band recorded an album titled "Lest We Forget - For ANZAC Day". Originally released on audio cassette tape, the album is now available on CD and on music streaming platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify. [32]

Musical Directors

List of long-serving Musical Directors
DateMusical Director
1869-1905Lieutenant A. R. Hunter
1908-1926Lieutenant G. F. Cater
1942-1944W.O.II F. B. Smyth
1945-1965Captain F. B. Smyth MBE ED
W.O.I D. F. Schofield

See also

Related Research Articles

Military band Class of musical ensembles

A military band is a group of personnel that performs musical duties for military functions, usually for the armed forces. A typical military band consists mostly of wind and percussion instruments. The conductor of a band commonly bears the title of Bandmaster or Director of Music. Ottoman military bands are thought to be the oldest variety of military marching bands in the world, dating from the 13th century.

Royal Corps of Army Music Music arm of the British Army

The Royal Corps of Army Music is a Corps of the British Army dedicated to the provision and promotion of military music.

Burnham Military Camp Largest army base in New Zealands South Island

Burnham, also known as Burnham Camp, is the largest army base in New Zealand's South Island. It is located 28 kilometres south of Christchurch on the Canterbury Plains in the Selwyn District, close to the town of Dunsandel. Burnham was named after Burnham Beeches, Buckinghamshire.

New Zealand Army Land component of the New Zealand Defence Force

The New Zealand Army is the land component of the New Zealand Defence Force and comprises around 4,659 Regular Force personnel and 2,122 Reserve Force personnel. Formerly the New Zealand Military Forces, the current name was adopted by the New Zealand Army Act 1950. The New Zealand Army traces its history from settler militia raised in 1845.

Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment Military unit

The Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment is the parent administrative regiment and corps of regular and reserve infantry battalions in the New Zealand Army. It was originally formed in 1947 with a singular Regular regiment and multiple reserve regiments. Over time, the regiments were turned into battalions, the reserve units amalgamated and more regular units raised and disbanded. Currently, the Regiment currently consists of two regular and three reserve battalions. Throughout its existence, units raised in this regiment have served and deployed on operations in Malaya, Vietnam, Borneo and various United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery Military unit

The Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery is the artillery regiment of the New Zealand Army. It is effectively a military administrative corps, and can comprise multiple component regiments. This nomenclature stems from its heritage as an offshoot of the British Army's Royal Artillery. In its current form it was founded in 1947 with the amalgamation of the regular and volunteer corps of artillery in New Zealand. In 1958 in recognition of services rendered it was given the title the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery.

Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers Military unit

The Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers is the military engineering regiment/corps of the New Zealand Army. Linton Camp has been known throughout the Army as the traditional home of the Engineers. The role of the Engineers is to assist in maintaining friendly forces' mobility, deny freedom of movement to the enemy, and provide general engineering support.

Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps Military unit

The Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps (RNZAC) is the overall umbrella grouping of Regular Force and Territorial Force units equipped with armoured vehicles in the New Zealand Army. The corps was formed in 1942 as the New Zealand Armoured Corps, before being given the Royal prefix in 1947. The RNZAC is second in seniority of corps within the New Zealand Army.

Linton Military Camp is the largest New Zealand Army base and is home to the Headquarters 1(NZ) Brigade. It is located just south of Palmerston North.

New Zealand in the Vietnam War

New Zealand's involvement in the Vietnam War was highly controversial, sparking widespread protest at home from anti-Vietnam War movements modelled on their American counterparts. This conflict was also the first in which New Zealand did not fight alongside the United Kingdom, instead following the loyalties of the ANZUS Treaty.

Coastal fortifications of New Zealand New Zealand coastal fortifications

Coastal fortifications were constructed in New Zealand in two main waves: around 1885 as a response to fears of an attack by Russia, and in World War II due to fears of invasion by the Japanese.

The 1st Brigade is currently the largest unit of the New Zealand Army, and contains most of the army's deployable units. The brigade was formed on 13 December 2011 by amalgamating the 2nd Land Force Group and 3rd Land Force Group. Its establishment formed part of the 'Army 2015' package of reforms.

Structure of the New Zealand Army

This article describes the current structure of the New Zealand Army. It includes the army's order of battle and the headquarters locations of major units.

The New Zealand Army uniform has changed over the years from that of the original Armed Constabulary of the 1800s to the modern Army Combat Uniform style in use by the majority of world armies today. While British Army influence has always been strong, distinctive New Zealand features have gradually developed. From 2013 the New Zealand Army uniform underwent a complete redesign with a new and distinctive camouflage pattern unique to the NZDF.

Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps Military unit

The Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (RNZAOC) concerned itself with the provisioning of troops with the means to fight; specifically uniforms, weapons and equipment. Ordnance functions go back hundreds of years; the first Ordnance Officer in the British military appeared in the year 1299. Designated "Keeper of the King's Wardrobe", his duties included the care and accounting of heavy equipment such as battering rams and catapults.

The Military Store Department (MSD) was a British army supply organisation that supplied the British Imperial Forces in the Colony of New Zealand from 1840 to 1870.

New Zealand Army Band Musical artist

The New Zealand Army Band is a brass band that primarily provides musical support for the New Zealand Army at all state and ceremonial occasions. It was founded in 1964 by Captain James Donald Carson (1935–2008) of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

Bands of the South African National Defence Force

There are currently 9 main military bands currently belonging to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), which represent the different branches of the SANDF and providing music on ceremonial occasions. Since military bands were introduced in the country, they have played a prominent role in public and military life. Pipe bands also play an important role in South African military music, with notable pipe bands coming from the Transvaal Scottish Regiment and the South African Military Health Service. Military bands of the SANDF are also affiliated with the police bands of the South African Police Service. In addition to military music, military bands in the SANDF perform different genres, including classical, jazz, pop and light music.

Royal New Zealand Navy Band Military band from New Zealand

The Royal New Zealand Navy Band is the musical arm of the Royal New Zealand Navy, serving its musical needs from its headquarters at HMNZS Philomel on Devonport Naval Base, North Shore City, Auckland.

The Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment contributed companies to the 1st Australian Task Force in the Vietnam War.

References

  1. ↑ Special Bibliography. US Army Military History Institute. pp. 294–.
  2. ↑ "Page 1 of 2 | Items". National Library of New Zealand. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  3. ↑ "Article RNZ Artillery Band celebrating its 150th Anniversary on the weekend of 26th-28th Sept 14 | rnzaa.org.co.nz". rnzaa.org.nz. Retrieved 2021-05-17.
  4. ↑ "Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery – Brass and pipe bands – Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand". teara.govt.nz. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  5. ↑ "IBEW - The Internet Bandsman's Everything Within". ibew.org.uk. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  6. ↑ "And the Band Plays On Spectrum". RNZ. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  7. ↑ Military Historical Society (Great Britain) (1970). Bulletin. Military Historical Society.
  8. ↑ "Untitled | Items". National Library of New Zealand. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  9. ↑ "History of God Defend New Zealand | Ministry for Culture and Heritage". mch.govt.nz. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  10. ↑ "The Origins of the Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery". rnzaa.org.nz. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  11. ↑ "Fundraising Concert". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. Archived from the original on 2021-05-09. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Official History of the Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery - Northern Military District. Batley Printing Co. Ltd, New Lynn, Auckland: Auckland Artillery Band Assn. (Inc). 1964.
  13. ↑ "Artillery Band in Wellington". Papers Past. Archived from the original on 2021-05-10.
  14. ↑ "Concert in City Hall". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. Archived from the original on 2021-05-09. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  15. ↑ "Fire in the City". Papers Past. 2021-05-09. Archived from the original on 2021-05-09.
  16. ↑ "Picnics". Papers Past. Archived from the original on 2021-05-10.
  17. ↑ "Garrison Artillery Band". Papers Past. 2021-05-09. Archived from the original on 2021-05-09.
  18. ↑ "Jubilee Celbrated". Papers Past. Archived from the original on 2021-05-10.
  19. ↑ "Photo of Argyll & Sutherland Band in NZ 1926". NatLib NZ. Archived from the original on 2021-05-12.
  20. ↑ Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa. "US troops in New Zealand, World War II - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa". sites.tepapa.govt.nz. Retrieved 2021-05-17.
  21. ↑ "Band has played for every royal visit to NZ". New Zealand Herald. 1963-12-27. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  22. ↑ "Protesters interrupt 161 Battery parade | VietnamWar.govt.nz, New Zealand and the Vietnam War". vietnamwar.govt.nz. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  23. ↑ "Band's new name | Items". National Library of New Zealand. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  24. ↑ "Untitled | Items". National Library of New Zealand. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  25. ↑ "$5000 given by Council to Artillery Band | Items". National Library of New Zealand. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  26. ↑ "Smart Artillery Band Gets Back in the... | Items". National Library of New Zealand. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  27. ↑ "'Tremendous offer' by one band to ano... | Items". National Library of New Zealand. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  28. ↑ "Brass bands get the boot". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  29. ↑ "Teara.govt.nz". teara.govt.nz. Archived from the original on 2015-09-20. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  30. ↑ "Artillery band looks for fresh talent". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
  31. ↑ Band, New Zealand Army Royal New Zealand Artillery Northern Military District (1964-01-01). "Centennial concert 1964 [sound recording] / The Band of the Royal New Zealand Artillery, N.M.D." Centennial concert 1964 [sound record... | Items | National Library of New Zealand | National Library of New Zealand. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  32. ↑ Band, New Zealand Army Royal New Zealand Artillery (2009-01-01). "Lest we forget [electronic resource] : for ANZAC Day / Band of The Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery". natlib.govt.nz. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.