Mizpah Adventist High School in Tonga is seeking support to establish a brass band, with leaders highlighting the important role music plays in student development and mission.
For more than a century, the school has provided Adventist education to the people of Tonga, particularly communities in Vava’u since opening in 1917. Now, as part of its ongoing development, Mizpah is working to expand its curriculum to include music as a key learning area.
The school is planning to introduce a brass band from July, with a formal music subject expected to follow in 2027, subject to the availability of a qualified teacher.
South Pacific Division education director Elisapesi Manson said music plays a vital role in Adventist education.
“For many students, music becomes the pathway to success. It builds confidence, improves academic engagement, enhances thinking skills and nurtures belonging,” she said.
“Music offers a creative space where anxiety is reduced, discipline is learned and students experience achievement, purpose and hope.”
Mrs Manson said music also supports the wholistic philosophy of Adventist education.
“Music is not simply an extracurricular subject in Adventist schools; it is a ministry, a form of worship and a vital educational tool that nurtures faith, character, community and lifelong service,” she said.
The initiative aligns with the Quality Adventist Schools Pacific (QASP) framework, which emphasises high standards across all dimensions of student learning. The school is reviewing its five-year improvement plan to ensure a curriculum that is both distinctly Adventist and responsive to students’ aspirations. Alongside music, priorities include technical and vocational pathways such as computing, home economics and agriculture.
School principal Lemani Matui said the introduction of a brass band is expected to contribute to future enrolment growth.
To establish the band, the school is seeking donations of instruments: 10 cornets, three horns, two baritones, one euphonium, two trombones, one bass trombone, two B-flat bass and two E-flat bass instruments, one bass drum, two side drums and two cymbals.
Donations of new or used instruments, as well as financial contributions, are welcome.
Those wishing to support the initiative can contact Elisapesi Manson via email at <ElisapesiManson@adventist.org.au> or by phone on +61 421 226 974.
