When Selu Fotu belted out Welcome Home backed by the Royal New Zealand Navy Band in the Cambridge Town Hall on Sunday, the tuba player could be forgiven for thinking it was for him.
Petty Officer Fraser Robertson is the only Waipā member of the band and there were plenty of family members in the sell-out crowd there to see him.
Robertson, 30, was born in Te Awamutu and attended St Patrick’s, Te Awamutu Intermediate and Te Awamutu College.
Robertson got his start in the Te Awamutu Brass Band, not surprising really as the whole family plays in it and sister Sarah is the musical director.
When he was 17, he auditioned for the New Zealand Army Band but heard there was a navy band as well which played more of the music he liked.
Chief Petty Officer Michael Miller beats out his clarinet solo during the Royal NZ Navy Band’s concert at Cambridge Town Hall. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
It is a decision he has never regretted. “I’ve been all around the world with the band,” he said, including to Gallipoli this year and in the Pacific Islands.
“We do a lot of stuff for communities as part of defence diplomacy.”
That is when the military pursue foreign policy goals through the peaceful employment of defence resources and capabilities.
“It’s an awesome job. You get to meet a lot of people, and we play music for kids who have been nowhere near any instruments.”
“Playing in the Cambridge Town Hall is pretty big, plus it’s a sell-out.” It was also the first time in 15 years the band had played in the hall.
Chief Petty Officer (Music) Jonathan Franklin does the sound check during the Royal NZ Navy Band’s performance at Cambridge Town Hall. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Robertson’s choice of the tuba came after he tried the cornet and hated it.
“Worse decision ever and I saw Dad playing the tuba and I said, ‘I want to play the biggest one’ and the rest is history.”
Success includes playing in national bands and winning New Zealand titles.
Three members of the audience stand as the Royal New Zealand Navy Band plays the music for the ceremonial lowering of the New Zealand White Ensign during the performance at Cambridge Town Hall. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
A personal thrill was playing Mahler’s Requiem in an Auckland cathedral.
“It was absolutely beautiful, lots of long notes. It was a big moment – playing something brassy in a big cathedral.”
Wife Zoe is a musician as well – they live in Devonport.
Welcome Home: Hamilton Boys’ High School old boy Selu Fotu sings the Dave Dobbyn classic while behind him Fraser Robertson, who went to Te Awamutu College, plays the tuba. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
The set included some big band numbers – one called Hayburner especially for Cambridge because of its horse meaning – Duke Ellington, a 1970s set with 19 songs from the decade, Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s movie and the Dave Dobbyn Welcome Home classic sung by Fotu, a Waikato boy who attended Hamilton Boys’ High School.
“That’s the fun thing about the navy band, there is so much variety and versatility,” said Robertson.
The band was on day nine of a 10-day tour of the central North Island – which included performances in Te Kūiti, Marton, Taihape, Huntly, Waiouru and Taupō.
Julie Mayes and Karen Johnson behind the scenes during the Royal New Zealand Navy Band’s performance at Cambridge Town Hall. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
