Following his family’s move from Tonga to Christchurch, aged just 6, Stephen began playing cornet in the Christchurch City Salvation Army, joining the band at 9. His talent saw him quickly accepted into a secondary school orchestra, with many awards following over the years. Now 18 and studying a Bachelor of Music for Classical Trumpet at Victoria University, Stephen says he is one of very few Pacific Islanders in this field of study. His goal is to complete a Masters of Music to gain a position in an orchestra but also tutor and support other budding musicians. This Grant will help Stephen purchase a trumpet to expand his repertoire for study and more orchestral work.