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.