Nelson schools claimed a slew of awards at the regional Rockshop Bandquest competition last week.
Waimea Intermediate band, Tempo, took out the competition with its “outstanding performance” that captivated both judges and audiences alike with Broadgreen Intermediate band, Ahurei, and St Joseph’s School band, Obsidian, tuning second and third.
Broadgreen Intermediate’s Ahurei also took home awards for best keyboard player and its member Tiahomairangi Manawa-Pounamu Tawha also won best vocalist.
Rivalling Broadgreen Intermediate band, Those Fellas Over There, amped the rockstar styles award.
Nelson Intermediate bands picked up two awards; the saxophone player from Triple SSS winning the musicianship award and band member Seiji claiming the rock-solid bassist award.
The competition featured a symphony of local primary and intermediate school-aged rockstars at the Theatre Royal in Nelson on 28 August and a volume of 11 trophies were presented for the first time by the Wright Family Foundation.
Tempo drummer Harvey Connor also pounded the rocking drummer award and another Waimea Intermediate band, Exhale, left the stage with the ‘Killer’ guitarist award.
Competition judge Reece Milton says “it was an absolute pleasure” to be on the rock n roll train.
“There were so many talented bands that performed which made it challenging as a judge. It’s great to see so many young people still passionate and performing music.”
There were 15 local bands that took to the stage.
“Everyone that performed has a bright future in New Zealand music.”
Co-founder and Director Glenn Common says the bandquest was a “fantastic opportunity” for youth rockers.
Episode 14 - What’s holding Nelson back? — The Nelson Pod
“The bands must work together, each playing their part to achieve a shared goal, developing not only their musical and performance skills but also their teamwork, communication, and leadership abilities.”
Tempo will now rock their hearts out for a video performance entry in The Rockshop Bandquest national final, which is held online.
The results will be released on 21 September.
