The pipe bands in the Te Awamutu Christmas Parade.
When the Cambridge and Districts Pipe Band was supported by members of the Te Awamutu and Districts and Te Kūiti pipers at the Cambridge Christmas parade, it was a first for young Archie Anselmi.
Archie Anselmi began learning the practice chanter while in Scotland.
The 12 year old was in the second ranks having learnt and memorised all the parade tunes over the past months.
Archie’s mum Michelle is from Scotland and the family dad Kent, his older sister Caitlin and Archie spent eight months in Britain mostly in Scotland where Archie attended school.
Bryan Marshall, left, with Archie Anselmi and Peet van Dijk.
While there Archie was introduced to learning the practice chanter on the pipes, but he had only just started learning what the notes were before the family returned home.
He wanted to continue learning so in 2024 the family contacted the retired ex-Pipe Major of the Cambridge and Districts Pipe Band, Bryan Mitchell about private lessons.
“The result, unknown to his school mates, is that Archie has been busy learning how to play since March 2024 and has progressed by dedicated effort to the stage he is now a capable piper,” Mitchell told The News.
“His final preparation for the parade was the weekly marching practices within the ranks of the pipe band on the athletics grounds in Vogel Street, done during the month of November.”
Archie’s secret is now out of the bag.
“His friends will now know that apart from hunting, fishing and farming, Archie has a very keen interest in his Scottish heritage and playing the bagpipes.
Archie Anselmi began learning the practice chanter while in Scotland.
“He is learning to master one of the more difficult musical instruments and the Christmas Parade was a real milestone in his progress.
“He has impressed family, tutor and pipe band members with his effort and progress.”
Archie was not only first time participant in the band – another was Peet van Dijk, a tattooist in Empire Street.
“People would be amazed that a Dutchman would want to learn to play the bagpipes,” Mitchell said. Our world is full of surprises and the band is very happy to have developing pipers and drummers.”
The Cambridge and Te Awamutu pipe bands team up regularly and tutoring is available for anyone within the region associated with both towns.
“Both bands are very interested in having more youngsters join Archie within the ranks either playing the bagpipes or drums,” Mitchell said.
“Also, adult learners or people wanting to rekindle their expertise, or just to be supporters, are most welcome to make contact.”
The pipe bands participating in the Rotary Te Awamutu Christmas Parade. Photo: Roy Pilott
