Nabala Secondary School, the sole institution with a drum band in the Northern Division, has finally received an upgrade to its musical equipment after a 16-year wait.
The donation of $8,000 includes four single drums, one brass drum, and a set of four tenor drums, courtesy of the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North committee.
Principal Epi Raikivi expressed his excitement and gratitude on behalf of the school’s 14-member band, which consists of hostel students from Years Nine to 13, hailing from 11 different villages.
“In 2008, the Fiji Police Force donated their drum set to our school, and since then, we have been repairing and reusing it,” Mr. Raikivi stated. He also recognized the hard work of Master Seru Tuidravutu, who has been with the band since 2012 and reached out to the festival committee for assistance.
“Our band has participated in the festival entertainment group for five years,” Mr. Raikivi noted, adding that despite the resignation of their teacher earlier this year, his leadership was crucial in acquiring the new equipment.
Nabala Secondary School is located roughly 33 kilometers from Labasa Town. The band, dressed in light blue and navy blue uniforms, actively performs at various schools, organizations, and community events.
Zaheen Ibrahim, president of the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North Committee, emphasized the festival’s commitment to community and music education. “This donation reflects our dedication to community development, skill enhancement, and music education support,” Ms. Ibrahim stated. She further mentioned that last year, the festival provided $5,000 worth of equipment, and the latest donation is part of a long-term commitment totaling an additional $3,000 worth of gear.