The Brass Band Association of Tonga has announced the members of its 2025 National Youth Band.

The 34 players all aged under 24, will be led by on the course that takes place on the 18th to 24th August, by David Bremner, the MD of New Zealand National Champion Wellington Brass Band.

Encouraging

It is further hugely encouraging news for the brass banding movement in the country which has recovered from the terrible effects of an earthquake that hit the island in 2022.

Support from the likes of Besson and the New Zealand Brass Band Association as well as many other antipodean banding organisations and personalities has helped trigger a resurgence that last year saw Tupou College claim the New Zealand B Grade National Championship title in South Auckland led by Eloni Nui.

24 players of Tupou College successfully auditioned for the 2025 band alongside players from TTI, Tupuo High School and Queen Salote College.

Extremely excited

Speaking about the forthcoming course, David told 4BR that he was "extremely excited" and that it has "been a really hard job" to select the band.

He added: "I'm really looking forward to seeing and working with everyone and providing two wonderful concerts for people to enjoy."