Rockshop Bandquest 2012

Media Release Rockshop Bandquest 2012

Rockshop Bandquest, now in its second year, is following its older sibling Smokefreerockquest into Kiwi music success.

The contest, pitched at primary and intermediate school students, was launched last year and has almost double the entries this year, with 122 bands set to play off in seven events from Christchurch to Auckland.

Founder and director Glenn Common says Bandquest was a response to requests from teachers for a contest to encourage the younger age group.

“Rockshop Bandquest is a platform for the next generation of contemporary musicians to and perform in a supportive and encouraging competition format, with a focus on education, inspiration and entertainment,” he says. “We started this contest in response to a demand from schools and in recognition of the growing sophistication of this age group and the increased access to affordable musical instruments that kids now have.”

Rockshop Bandquest is for bands of two or more members, younger than Year 9, who will play a short set of covers or original songs. Common says there is an award for the best original song to encourage original material, but the focus will be on performance skills.

Bands gather for a mentoring workshop and rehearsal in the afternoon; with the contest in the evening, tickets $10 at the door.

THIS YEAR’S ROCKSHOP BANDQUEST SCHEDULE IS:
Auckland
Fri 7 Sept, 7.30pm Auckland Girls Grammar Auditorium
Sat 8 Sept, 7.00pm Auckland Girls Grammar Auditorium

Bay of Plenty/Waikato
Wed 5 Sept, 7.00pm Clarence St Theatre, Hamilton

Hawkes Bay
Thurs 6 Sept, 7.00pm Municipal Theatre -Napier

Nelson
Sat 8 Sept, 7.00pm Theatre Royal - Nelson

Canterbury
Sun 9 Sept, 7.00pm Jack Mann Auditorium - Coll. of Education -Solway Ave, Chch
Sat 15 Sept, 7.00pm Kaiapoi High School, Kaiapoi

There is also an opportunity for bands not near a centre where an event is being held, to submit video footage for an online regional final. The national final will also be held via the website bandquest.co.nz where video footage from the regionals will be posted, with the national final result announced on 27 September.

Find out more at bandquest.co.nz

ENDS

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