Nabala Secondary School, the sole institution featuring a drum band in the Northern Division, has finally upgraded its musical equipment after 16 years. The donation, amounting to $8,000, comprises four single drums, a 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 14-member band, which includes hostel students from Years Nine to 13, representing 11 villages. “In 2008, the Fiji Police Force donated their drum set to our school, and since then, we have been maintaining and using it,” Mr. Raikivi stated. He also credited Master Seru Tuidravutu, who has been with the band since 2012, for his efforts in securing assistance from the festival committee.
“The band has participated in the festival’s entertainment group for five years,” he added. Although the teacher resigned earlier this year, his guidance was critical in acquiring the essential equipment. The school is situated about 33 kilometers from Labasa Town.
The band’s members, dressed in light blue and navy blue uniforms, regularly perform to support other 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, stating, “This donation reflects our dedication to community development, skill enhancement, and support for music education.” She noted that the festival had previously allocated $5,000 worth of equipment last year, alongside an additional $3,000 in the latest donation as part of their ongoing commitment.