A Tragedy Sparks Tonga’s Bold Brass Band Dream
Sometimes, a heartbreaking tragedy can spark something truly beautiful. That’s exactly what’s happening in Tonga right now, with the launch of its very first National Youth Brass Band—a bold new musical journey born out of a painful past.
Back in 2016, on Christmas Eve, a tragic accident took the lives of four members of the Mailefihi Siu’ilikutapu College Brass Band. Their tour bus crashed near Gisborne, New Zealand, leaving not only the Tongan community but also the broader brass band world in mourning. When news of the crash reached Dave Bremner, the musical director of Wellington Brass and principal trombonist for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, he was deeply moved. He knew he had to do something, even if he wasn’t yet sure what that would look like.
That initial response led him to the island of Vava’u in Tonga. What he discovered there was an extraordinary, vibrant brass band culture—one that seemed to live in the very heart of the community. Bands weren’t just a hobby; they were part of life, present in churches, at funerals, during celebrations. Bremner found himself returning, again and again, drawn to the energy and passion of these young musicians.
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Over time, the idea took shape: what if the best of Tonga’s young brass players could come together in a national youth band? That idea was shared with Tongan brass leaders—and they ran with it. The first rehearsals are already underway on the main island of Tongatapu, led by local bandsman Reverend 'Eloni Tu'akoi Niu, with Bremner preparing to return as the band’s official music director.
It’s estimated that up to half of Tonga’s high schoolers play a brass instrument—a staggering number when you think about it. For every band practicing, there’s often a crowd of teens on the sidelines, eager to join. There’s no shortage of passion. What’s missing, though, are quality instruments and funding. That’s where Bremner’s support continues. He’s helping source second-hand instruments from New Zealand, with support from ABI Music in Auckland. He’s also set up a Give-a-Little page to help cover travel costs for young musicians scattered across Tonga’s far-flung islands.
Although Bremner’s visit next month will only last five days, his vision is long-term. He wants to train local leaders, so Tonga’s musical legacy is built from within. Someday, he hopes the National Youth Brass Band can tour the Pacific, even recreate the magic of the Kiwi-Tongan band featured in the film Red, White & Brass , which famously inspired Tonga’s rugby team to beat France in the 2011 World Cup.
And who knows? Maybe one day, youth brass bands from across the Pacific will come together in celebration—united by music, resilience, and a dream that grew out of sorrow.
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