Tongan youth on a high note after golden performance

As one of the few Pacific people in the “gold-standard” West City Youth Concert Band, 14-year-old Daniel Semisi Milemoti Fa’avae holds his head – and trumpet – high, with pride.

Of Tongan descent, Daniel was born in New Zealand and raised in Tonga until his family moved back to Aotearoa four years ago.

The ifi palasa, or brass band is synonymous with Tongan culture and made famous with the recent film Red, White and Brass.

Like many Tongan youths, Daniel started playing a brass instrument early on in life, encouraged by his mum ‘Elenoa and dad David.

“A huge part of Tongan school culture is brass bands and marching, I believe they are very talented in what they do,” Daniel says.

“For me, music has been a passion since an early age.

“My dad is a huge influence on me when it comes to music and instruments, and he introduced me to various music genres which I now know and love.

“Church is also a big part of my culture and religion and church songs have always been something I enjoy.”

Daniel’s love of trumpet first came about when he picked up the instrument at an open night at Te Atatu Intermediate.

“That’s where I learnt everything about it playing the trumpet under teacher Antonina Marriott and band conductor Chad Davenport.”

Now attending Rutherford College, Daniel has continued his love of all music by joining the school band, and the West City Youth Band, formed in 2014 and which recently performed at the New Zealand Concert Bands Association Festival, in Hamilton.

West City Youth Concert Band, the current national youth band champions. Photo/ Supplied

For the seventh consecutive year, the West City Concert Band was awarded the highest award for the festival: The Royal New Zealand Navy Band Trophy for Outstanding Performance by a Band.

Meanwhile, Daniel and the West City Youth Band was one of five from 24 bands awarded a gold standard for their performance, and the sole youth band to claim the accolade.

Daniel explains it was his mum who pushed him to join the band as she knew it was indeed a golden opportunity for the budding muso.

“It was quite scary joining the band at first and the new environment was intimidating but after making friends and getting to know the other members I saw how much fun playing in the band was.”

He adds the band community is awesome, unique and gifted, with the likes of conductor Lauren Raby, who recently stepped down from the role, pushing the band members to reach their potential.

Daniel believes the truth behind the band's success is all the members trust each other intrinsically.

“We are all quite talented musicians, and we continue to work better and better as a band the more we trust and listen to one another.”

While he has not thought too far ahead when it comes to his future aspirations, Daniel is certain music will always be a part of his life.

He also encourages Pacific people to join the likes of the West City Youth Band – whether it is to improve or just to have fun and learn some music.

Meanwhile, Daniel will carry on representing Tonga and his family, through the big, bold sounds of the ifi palasa.

Visit the West City Music website for more information on how to get involved.