On piping in Hong Kong

When Hong Kong’s pro-democracy demonstrations were in full swing in September, with literally hundreds of thousands of protestors peacefully demonstrating for freedoms, I listened intently to news reports on their demands and progress. They rallied for democratic reform and suffrage that they felt was due them (and all Chinese citizens too); Through peaceful civil disobedience they made a resounding sound that may not have been heard in Beijing. I applaud their efforts to bring democratic values and change to their land.

Even as the protests continued, I thought about Hong Kong as a British colony that until 1997 was the wild west of capitalism, banking and commerce. Its rich heritage is a mix of English, Scottish, Chinese and many other cultures, so it must have included bagpipes. I went in search of piping in the news for pipes and drum bands in Hong Kong, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. A picture from the water of Hong Kong harbor shows a city built on green hills. Surely there must still be bagpipes playing today. A little research quickly shows that Hong Kong has a rich Scottish heritage.

The HSBC Bank was founded by a Scotsman, Thomas Sutherland in 1865. Even today, the firing of the Noonday Gun, a cannon mounted on a tiny jetty, is a daily ritual in remembrance of William Jardine and James Matheson, who were shipping tycoons from Edinburgh. Even at Hong Kong University which incorporates a castle erected in the 1860’s by a Scotsman, Douglas Laprik, the influence of the Scots can be found.

There are two pipe bands in Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Pipe Band http://hkpipeband.com/ and Hong Kong St. Andrews Pipe Band http://www.pipeband.org.hk/. The KH Pipe Band was formed in 1982 and continues to bring the music of Scotland to the city. Looking at their web site shows that they are into performing at many civic and private events as well as competing as a grade 4 band. One of their pipers, Andrew Yu took the top honors this summer at the All-England Championships in the United Kingdom in July. Andrew took grade one first place in the Piobaireachd, 6/8 March and second in the Air & Jig and March, Strathspey & Reel.

The second band is the Hong Kong St. Andrews Pipe Band http://www.pipeband.org.hk/. Their organization also plays our traditional Scottish music, but also plays arrangements of Chinese and Korean folk songs which can be downloaded from their site in pdf. I’ve attached one Chinese folk tune, “Dance of Youth” here. Very fun to play.

From a history perspective the Royal Gurkha Rifles, a regiment made up of Nepalese soldiers, loyal to the crown since 1857 became British regulars in 1949 following Indian Independence. Their regiment and pipe band were stationed in Hong Kong soon around 1962 and remained on station there until the draw down and final with drawl of all British troop in 1997. Today their piping tradition continues in in the Singapore Police Force Gurkha Contingent Pipes and Drums Platoon. Here’s a set performed by them on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH-Y9kdWbjk

It is great to think that we have piping brethren across the world. From many cultures from Nepal to South America, from Canada to Dubai, my guess is that we have more than just bagpipe music in common. I think of those families in Hong Kong wishing for a life free to follow their God given rights.

On music programs in the Bay Area

Fall is in the air. Yesterday I saw a young student on the way to school carrying a large musical instrument case. In a heartbeat I was transported back to Lindbergh Elementary, in my home town, where in 4th grade I carried my saxophone to and from school, beginning a lifelong love of music. That year I was introduced to my music teacher who for the next nine years would guide us students each band period to excel in making music. We benefited from his passion for music, and his love and no nonsense approach for his students, that we might catch the beautiful creativeness of the arts.

Without a doubt, reading, writing and math are essential to a quality education. To that point, research studies have demonstrated how including music education in a child's life helps them to do well in school, developing confidence and self-discipline, creativity, a sense of accomplishment and openness to other cultures and their music. Playing instruments, I learned how to be part of a team, from concerts to half time shows, parades to jazz ensembles. We learned how to work toward goals and accomplish hard things. Music united us in purpose much like an athletic team might under the guidance of a coach, but giving our minds and hearts to the music and the audience.

Musicians of every genre speak of music as an expression of our humanity. Famed violinist Joshua Bell recently spoke after a New York performance that "Music is something that should be a part of everyone's life." I agree. Can we in the Bay Area, as a people of great cultures and beliefs, in an economic and technical hub, not pay attention to the need for music in our children’s lives? Join me this fall to encourage music students, their teachers and administrators, and school music programs to continue to thrive, not just survive.

So leave your windows open as that young student next door practices with all the excitement of a virtuoso, even as he or she hits a few wrong notes. Or maybe wave encouragement to that student with that over-sized case on their way to school and to new adventures through music.

With a perspective,
John