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Throughout the world the cultural
identities of every race and nationality has been expressed through music
and no one can doubt that the Ulster Scots people are endowed with an
exceptional musical ability with one of the most popular ways of
expressing our culture is the Marching Bands.
Marching Bands can trace their
lineage to the military traditions of the British Army. History shows that
the Ulster people were prominent in the service of "King and Country",
both as regular soldiers and militia. It was the Inniskillens who captured
the first French eagle in the Spanish wars and some of the more famous
generals such as Wellington and Montgomery can boast of their Ulster
lineage.
During the nineteenth century Ireland
was 'militia' country, whose soldiers served as and when required in the
various campaigns, and it therefore stands to reason that when these
soldiers returned from service and resumed life in their home place, they
would adopt those military traditions to which they had grown familiar.
Most Ulster Protestants of those times were members of the Loyal Orange
Order and when they marched to the various demonstrations they expected
and demanded musical accompaniment. Prior to the birth of the Marching
Bands, this was supplied by drumming parties (lambegs and fifes). It
wasn't long before these bands, formed after the local men from the
militia brought their musical skills to the community, attached themselves
to the Orange movement and many of the bands formed in the mid 1800's
still exist. The turn of the 20th century saw an increase in political
activity with the introduction of three Home Rule bills. This in turn was
the catalyst for the formation of a number of bands which are now
approaching their centenary. During the Third Home Rule period, Marching
Bands, in particular flute bands played an important role at
demonstrations. On Ulster Day 28th September 1912, bands led companies of
Ulster Volunteers to Belfast City Hall to sign the Solemn League and
Covenant. Bands also led contingents to churches and local Orange Halls in
rural areas to sign.
After the World Wars bands again
become an important element of Ulster community life and their musical
expertise began to develop. Accordion bands especially began to progress
and were very strong in rural areas. The first competitions for bands were
held and continue to this day under the auspices of the North of Ireland
Bands Association.
The mid sixties with an increase in
tensions saw the development of a slightly different style of marching
flute band. Many reasons are available for the changes of style of flute
bands to what has become known as Blood & Thunder. Certainly the troubles
have been a significant factor in the Marching Band Culture, with the
Protestant community -especially its youth - attracted to it. The costs of
putting a band on the road were also of significance and often determined
their nature.
Many Marching Bands that are now 25
or 30 years old were formed during the Seventies and came into existence
as a result of the threat posed to their respective communities. It would
be fair to say that most of these bands were by today's standards
unrefined, with the emphasis more of vocal and drumming noise than on
musical finesse. However since then Marching Bands have developed.
WHY BANDS?
There several main reasons why so
many people have become involved in bands and have remained involved. A
brief investigation shows that friends, family and community are the chief
motivations why people joined their respective band. It may have been that
a friend or friends were already part of a band or a relation, usually a
brother or father. As many bands originate from an area such as an estate,
village or town and carries the name of that area, pride in their
community was also a leading factor. Strangely culture was not most
people's first choice as a reason for joining a band however it was agreed
that it was an important factor and that this importance has increased in
direct relationship to the threat posed by the attacks that to which our
culture has been subjected. Many believe that being in the band has helped
to keep them in touch with the culture and has led to a greater
understanding of the importance of their culture.
The following story from one 'cradle to grave' band
member is very much a typical account.
"I first
joined our band almost ten years ago. My two elder brothers were already
in the band at the time and with my cousin and another friend, we learnt
to flute. It was almost a year before we were given a uniform and allowed
to parade. The three of us all walked our first parade together. Since
then the band has become my life and I view the people in it as my best
friends.
The band to
me now is about having a good time with my mates. Yes being is about my
Protestant culture especially as we are all from that community but it
only really become an important issue when we are challenged or come under
attack. When I'm out on parade, the last thing I want is trouble. I want
to enjoy myself and can't understand why so much of a fuss is made over
us".
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