*
banner

McDonnell in Tonga

Riki McDonnell visits the Kingdom of Tonga.

Maopa Royal King of Tonga brass band
 

Riki McDonnell was guest soloist with the Royal Tongan Police band for its series of pre-Christmas concerts.

As well as working with the Tongan Police band, Riki also spent time in workshops with the youth brass band, the Maopa Royal King of Tonga brass band.

Fascination

It was refreshing and satisfying to spend quality time with such an enthusiastic, happy and motivated group of people.Riki McDonnell, Euphonium artist.

The euphonium artist told 4BRDU, "Tongan people have a fascination for brass bands. The previous King of Tonga had a passion for brass bands, and instigated the establishment of brass bands in schools and churches through all of the islands."

Densely Populated

"The population of brass bands in such a small kingdom of islands is surprisingly high. It was refreshing and satisfying to spend quality time with such an enthusiastic, happy and motivated group of people."

Whilst in Tonga, McDonnell also found time to sample many feasts and enjoy some of the famous local hospitality.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


nybbgb

NYBBGB Tidworth Concert now on YouTube

May 30 • The impressive concert given by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and featuring Isobel Daws can now by enjoyed time and time again.


mUSIC

Pressure pays off as music still on offer at Cardiff University

May 28 • Music degrees will still be on offer at Cardiff University although under new plans to revise entry targets and content.


John Wallace

Wallace honoured by International Trumpet Guild

May 28 • John Wallace CBE follows in the musical footsteps of Maurice Andre, Philip Jones, Miles Davis and Maurice Murphy with his latest accolade.


BBE Seaside

Oh we do like to play beside the seaside...

May 28 • BBE launches its 'Brass at the Seaside' initiative to help bands reach out to new audiences.


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Otley Brass Association - Joanne Dexter, Soprano

Saturday 31 May • The Bridge United Reformed Church. Bridge Street. Otley, LS21 1RW LS21 1RW


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Epping Forest Band

May 31 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn.. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year.. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band

May 29 • The RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band has an immediate vacancy for French Horn and Oboe players. The RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band is a Cambridgeshire based symphonic wind band with an excellent reputation within the local community and surrounding area.


Ocean Brass

May 29 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a baritone player (seat negotiable), as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond!


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd