Nelson College Preparatory School band JINX and Waimea Intermediate band Rocksical took out the top spots at the Rockshop Bandquest Nelson last week.
The bands were two of 24 primary and intermediate acts performing at the Theatre Royal on 13 and 14 August. Jinx won the first day of competition, and Rocksical took top spot on the second day.
JINX singer and guitarist Phoenix Morrison says the result came as a surprise.
“I actually felt surprised at first because I thought a lot of bands had great songs and the fact that we won was like the greatest feeling ever.
“We’re all going into college next year and hoping to continue to play together as much as possible.”
Phoenix also has a goal of eventually competing in Smokefreerockquest.
Rocksical keyboardist Emily Krammer says their band had worked hard for the performance.
“It was so fun up there, and I think you could tell that our band was having so much fun.”
The band also performed an original song, bringing together students from musical theatre and rock backgrounds.
“We had musical theatre people, like actors as our singers, and then we had rockstars as our instrumentalists. That’s where the name ‘Rocksical’ comes from,” Emily says.
Both bands have earned a place in the 2026 national finals, as well as $300 worth of musical equipment for their school.
JINX was followed by Street 27 from Nelson College for Girls Preparatory School in second place and The Dump Trucks from Broadgreen Intermediate in third on the first day of competition.
On the second day of competition, Jam Pack from St Paul’s Richmond placed second behind Rocksical, while The Beanie Boys from Riwaka School finished third.
Rocksical also had success in the individual awards, with Callum Kirkhoff and Marcus van Enter sharing the Killer Guitarist Award.
Nelson College Preparatory School music tutor Elijah Burton says he is proud of the students who took part.
“I think it takes massive courage to put yourself out there.”
He says Bandquest is a good way for young musicians to get started and encouraged other teachers to get their students involved.
“Just get them having a go, even if you’re not sure if they’re going to do it, just get a simple song out there and get them on stage.”
Rockshop Bandquest is a pathway for primary and intermediate students to perform live music, with this year's programme attracting more than 350 acts and more than 2500 young people from 184 schools around New Zealand.
