Secondary schools bands play music for peace [1]
Thursday, July 28, 2016 - 16:35. Updated on Thursday, July 28, 2016 - 16:39.
A Tonga Secondary Schools Brass Band Music Festival held in Tongatapu and Vava'u last week, is a joint initiative by Tonga Police and secondary school principals that brings youth together in a strategy to prevent and reduce crimes like school fights.
Nine schools took part in the festival, which started in Neiafu, Vava’u on 18 July with Mailefihi Siu'ilikutapu College, Tailulu College and Sanele High School.
Tongatapu's festival night was held on 19 July with brass bands from Tupou College, Queen Salote College, Tupou High School, St. Andrews, Takuilau College and Lavengamalie College.
Acting Deputy Police Commissioner 'Atunaisa Taumoepeau said they came up with this strategy to help minimize the crisis of school fighting and bring schools and students together to build up a relationship of peace and harmony utilising Tonga Police Band.
"This is a mechanism that draws the attention of young students, youths and others to sit down together and enjoy their music and art together."
Visiting adjudicators were Howard Taylor from Australia, Rhys McDenell and Samuela Uasi from New Zealand.
The first event was held in 2012.