Latest News from Vava'u Island Group, Tonga
21st December 2009
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Brass and Woodwind repair and training offer
- looking for AID sponsor
Help Needed.
Hello, My name is Peter Windsor, I am 51 years old and have been repairing Brass and Woodwind instruments for over 30 years. Trained in UK before emigrating to NZ in 1982. I have trained 2 British technicians and one in NZ. I have had my own business for over 20 years and now semi-retired
THE PROBLEM
Tonga has many good school and church bands. Fund raising is often successful and new musical instruments are often supplied. The instruments supplied are not "set up" specifically for the Pacific Islands where no servicing/repair dept exists.
Instruments at present either stay broken and playable instruments soon fail due to no maintenance. Instruments are now sent to NZ or Australia for repair often the freight cost (they are big, heavy and fragile) exceeds the cost of the repair and in many cases the value of the broken instrument!
THE SOLUTION
Tonga needs a small workshop (one bench type operation) Where all the instruments can be repaired. Tonga needs a suitable person who lives in Tonga (and preferably plays in one of the bands) Who is willing to learn general musical instrument servicing and repairs.
I am prepared to come to Tonga and train a local resident to a certain level to enable the instruments to stay in reasonable playable condition. I am prepared to do this every year from May to October starting 2011, and donate my time at no charge. I can organise the appropriate spare parts and tools required.
Cafe Tropicana has generously offered to provide a small workshop and storage space in Vavau.
WHAT WE NEED
Some one in contact with all the bands (a tutor or conductor) to co-ordinate and find the suitable apprentice. Funds to cover expenses, basic tools, range of spare parts etc. Some body or organisation to fund raise or apply for grant aid from NZ Aid or Aus Aid etc.
END RESULT
A trained Tongan capable of repairing /servicing brass and woodwind instruments up to a basic level, who can pass on this knowledge on later. This could end up supplying work/income for the trainee long term. Valuable funds used (present and past) to purchase instruments will be better utilised as the instruments will
last longer . A brass instrument should last 10-20 years! IF maintained. Wasted money on freight can be saved. More school children can learn a musical instrument as more are made playable.
REGARDS PETER
Please contact for more information and I can put you in touch with Peter.
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