SSGT David Fiu, Bandmaster

THE MAKING OF A MUSICAL MASTER: SSGT Fiu, Bandmaster

By Judith Martin

David Fiu grew up surrounded in a swirl of music and singing – all sorts of singing.

The born and bred Wellingtonian is of Samoan and Māori descent and can’t remember a time when his home was not filled with beautiful sound.

“Music has always been an important part of my life and I have a broad appreciation of musical genres. From a young age I have so many memories of guitars and ukuleles being heard with plenty of singing.”

Staff Sergeant Fiu is the New Zealand Army Band’s Bandmaster which means he is responsible for the preparation, rehearsal, execution and delivery of whatever tasks the unit is assigned throughout the year. It is a job he loves, and his talents came to the fore earlier this year when, along with other band members, he kept the fans engaged through the wearying days of Covid lockdown. They managed to entertain crowds, but from the comfort of their own homes.

“The Director of Music (MAJ Graham Hickman) and I quickly established that the programme of events planned in April/May which included the NZ Tattoo, the National Jazz Festival, and Anzac Day activities were to be cancelled, and that the nation was to be in Level 4 Covid lockdown. “This was an unprecedented event and affected everyone worldwide. It was important to provide a positive message in this time of uncertainty. We saw the need to ensure that the unit remained busy and visible. Conducting Burnham Camp guard duties and isolation videos kept the NZ Army Band engaged and positive during this period. The videos were a way of working together for a common goal and we received great immediate feedback from our peers and superiors in the NZ Defence Force.

“As Bandmaster I oversee and implement the training required to ensure the troops are able to fulfil their individual requirements not only in their music demands but in their soldiering requirements.”

He had many teachers and music mentors growing up.

“I started formalising my music appreciation initially with piano lessons as a child. Then began cornet/trumpet tuition through the Wellington South Salvation Army in Newtown.”

Nowadays he plays piano, cello, trumpet, tuba, trombone, bass guitar, and sings. “I have had many highlights on each of these instruments however more recently have had the privilege as vocalist at NZDF ceremonial occasions both nationally and internationally.”

SSGT Fiu

Does he have a favourite style?

“I like jazz, funk, R&B, classical, brass band, and reggae.

“No preference really – I listen to everything. I have studied various musical styles which has given me a broad base and an appreciation of how powerful a medium music is.” His favourite composers include Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Ludwig van Beethoven, Rimsky Korsakov, Sergei Prokofiev… yes this is a man with eclectic tastes.

SSGT Fiu says while it is important to know the history of military music and be ready to perform it as required, it is just as important to remain relevant to the audience the band is targeting.

“Whether that is retirement homes or high school concerts, or a variety concert with varying age demographics we aim to ensure all bases are ticked off. It provides a challenge and I rely on the members of the unit for suggestions and guidance. Having this approach allows for buy-in or ownership from the musicians and the feeling of contribution.”

“As Bandmaster I oversee and implement the training required to ensure the troops are able to fulfil their individual requirements not only in their music demands but in their soldiering requirements.”