Levuka Public School pulled off a rare musical feat during its annual cadet passing-out parade at Nasau Park on Friday.
The school established its first brass band in just two months, with students making their public debut alongside ex-military band veterans at the event.
Principal Seru Banuve said the initiative began as part of efforts to revive school spirit and introduce a musical tradition.
“We wanted to do something different — when the school was established, there was no school song or band,” he said.
“So we tried to organise the right people to come in and get things started.”
A single multi-instrumentalist instructor was recruited to lead rehearsals, supported by a group of seven retired band officers — many of them former military musicians.
“We’re very fortunate,” Mr Banuve said.
“You don’t look at their age or whether they’re using walking sticks. What we want is their experience — you can’t buy that.”
The band’s first appearance was during the Coca-Cola Games, and the school now plans to develop music as a vocational option for students.
“If we have carpentry and automotive, why not music?
“This could open doors — students can join the (band) in the navy, military, prison service or police. There’s a market out there.”
