IFI Palasa: Brass Bands in Tonga

Abstract

The thesis outlines the main characteristics of Ifi Palasa: Brass Bands in Tonga. The music, organization, leadership roles, history, rehearsals, teaching methods, performance practice and public events are described. Tongan ifi palasa are compared and contrasted to bands elsewhere around the globe and cross-cultural aspects of function and musical definition are discussed. The history of brass bands from the indigenous kele 'a conch shell of Tonga, the arrival with the missionaries and the early experience of brass and wind instruments in Tonga, as possible origin for the vigorous bands of today, are considered. Playing style and organizational aspects, which are uniquely Tongan within a worldwide movement of brass bands, are identified. The thesis is based on three periods of fieldwork in Tonga, totalling six months, during which several major festivals were viewed and recorded. Leaders of the bands were interviewed. King Taufa'ahau IV, who has given much support and encouragement to Tongan ifi palasa, is also interviewed.