Uiliami Fihaki is a first-year graduate teaching associate pursuing a Master of Music degree in wind band conducting. He holds a Bachelor of Music in instrumental performance and music education from Sacramento State University. Prior to joining the School of Music at The Ohio State University, Uiliami served eleven years in the United State Marine Corps as a Marine Musician and Enlisted Conductor. As an ambassador of music, he possesses a breadth of performance and conducting experience, having served with Marine Band San Diego, 2D Marine Division Band, and Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band. His distinctive accomplishments and dedication to musical excellence have earned him the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2^nd award), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2^nd award), and the Joint Service Achievement Medal.

A native of the Friendly Islands of Tonga, Uiliami aspires to broaden his diplomatic footprint and share his expertise beyond the domestic sphere. He initiated and is diligently developing a project to teach and inspire young musicians and conductors across the South Pacific Islands. His research interests include music of Polynesia and native music of Tonga (tu’ungafasi).