Through many events in New Zealand's history - the Temperance movement, the union movement and particularly the World Wars - bands of many kinds were formed. They fulfilled a meaningful role in funerals, weddings, celebrations and the ceremonies relating to war and peace. In days before logos existed, bands were a kind of logo for many groups. To understand the importance of music in these situations, we need to understand the context in which it functioned. For example, to appreciate the importance of a military band, we need to transport ourselves back, when soldiers would march through the streets to mark their departure for war.

In this section you will find a selection of photographs and music clips depicting both pipe and brass bands performing on a variety of events.