At the end of term 3, more than a dozen music students and staff took part in the Samoa music Immersion tour, where we travelled around the islands of Samoa, playing music in various community venues, performing 4 concerts and a workshop and learning about Samoan culture and building connections. This trip was full of vitality and provided rich educational experiences to all involved.
One of our key learnings was a deeper understanding of music. This goes far beyond the technical fingerings, keys, or tunings, but rather the cultural value and communal merits of music. Whilst we travelled and played in church halls, schools, and victim shelters, we witnessed not only the ability of our music to bring joy to communities, but also the merits of music in a country where music is central to their cultural identity. By learning how other people experience music, it’s greatly contextaulised the way in which all students on this immersion understand the work that they do and how they are actively contributing to a sense of place.
Another key learning for was an understanding the people of Samoa, with a rich culture steeped in tradition and community. As anyone on the immersion would attest, Samoan people are infallibly hospitable, generous, and loving. Garbled attempts at Samoan were met with delight, uncoordinated dance moves saw applause, and awkward waves received fist bumps. Teachers at Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC) accompanied us throughout, and it was deeply inspiring to see the way in which DBTC teachers strove to ensure we saw all aspects of Samoa and shared in a small part of the joy found on Upolu and Savai’i. The fundraising conducted, including donating a drum kit and a modern keyboard – replacing DBTC’s current keyboard that is partially broken. By seeing the gratitude with which Samoan students earnestly engaged with education was heartwarming, and many immersionists came away with an enhanced understanding of how they should experience learning with an open mind.
Overall, the trip was an incredible experience of collegiate joy. Samoa is a place where every view is a vista, and every smile is a warm embrace. Visiting beautiful beaches like Lalomanu, picturesque cascades, and storybook landscapes. All students extend heartfelt thanks to Mr. Bourbon, Ms. Thean, and Mr. Croft for all their support on the trip, and the indefatigable efforts of Mr. Little in facilitating and coordinating our experience. This opportunity to learn alongside each other about music in the Cradle of Polynesia, as well as making great friends and unforgettable memories combined with making a year-defining trip that’s affected all of us so deeply.
Thomas Maguire-Nguyen
Misson Ambassador