Canterbury musician thrives in heat of PNG Military Tattoo

Band members were deployed to PNG’s capital Port Moresby for the country’s 50^th anniversary of independence. Musicians from Australia, Fiji, France, India, Japan, New Zealand, Tonga, the United Kingdom, United States and Vanuatu joined the PNG military band and local cultural groups for the two-night show. 

The Christchurch-born tenor horn player said the deployment was “amazing”.

“I got to visit a beautiful country I had never been to before and got to experience new things like staying on board an Australian naval ship, HMAS Choules. It was one of my best memories,” she said. 

“Playing with bands from other Pacific nations is always a very special experience. It was incredible to hear and play along to different musical interpretations and styles.” 

The deployment also gave Private Wilson the opportunity to reconnect with old friends who had visited New Zealand as part of the Mutual Assistance Programme, run by the New Zealand Defence Force, that trains and funds military musicians from partner nations.

PNG offered challenges to the band, which spent long hours practising at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in temperatures reaching the mid-30s°C, in the days leading up to the shows, Private Wilson said. 

“It’s definitely a challenge of resilience playing in the hot sun after coming from cold Christchurch winters, but as soon as you acclimatise it became really enjoyable. 

“The usual challenges are often just adjusting to weather and the different time-zone, but PNG was very easy to get used to.”

The NZ Army band entered the stadium playing The William Tell Overture. They continued with pieces from the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline and an ABBA tribute. 

As a member of the NZ Army Band, Private Wilson has been on several different types of deployments, with every new experience getting better and better.

“Growing up in Christchurch I have been part of brass bands most of my life – joining the Woolston Brass when I was six.

“Spending so many years in that environment meant joining the Army band was the logical next step where I have been able to fulfil my passion and travel the world. 

“Being part of military bands is a worthwhile activity for any young person.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of being in the NZ Army band and I have gained so many wonderful friends and memories while collecting valuable life skills and experiences,” Private Wilson said.