Rockshop Bandquest 2018 Nelson results

They may be young but they know how to rock – Nelson contestants took the stage on Friday night in this year’s regional Rockshop Bandquest, the nationwide music contest for intermediate and primary students.

Bandquest is in its eighth year as a talent feeder for Smokefreerockquest, and in Nelson attracted 10 keen bands who competed at the Theatre Royal.

Event organizer Matt Ealand says the performances from this age group mix sophistication with a lack of self-consciousness, enhanced by the supportive framework of Bandquest.

“They’ve been watching TV and YouTube, they’re aware of what established musicians are doing and they want to emulate them,” he said. “Rockshop Bandquest is a confidence builder that lifts their game musically, and they tend to take that with them to high school, with proven benefits socially and academically.”

The Nelson results are:

First place winning $400 credit with The Rockshop for their school: Lions Eat Rhino Poachers, Nelson Intermediate School

Second place winning $200 credit with The Rockshop for their school: Harvey and the Boppers, St Josephs Nelson

Third place winning $100 credit with The Rockshop for their school: Shots Fired, Broadgreen Intermediate

Best original song winning $100 cash for their school: 4 Roses, Nelson Girls College Prep

Best Vocalists: Harvey and the Boppers, St Josephs Nelson; and Shots Fired, Broadgreen Intermediate

Musicianship award: Georgia Brace-Gardiner (bass & guitar), 4 Roses, Nelson Girls College Prep

Rockstar Styles award: Tobin Mackenzie, Zombie Mode, Riwaka School

‘Killer’ guitarist award: Kahu Sanson-Burnett, Lions Eat Rhino Poachers, Nelson Intermediate School

Rock-solid bassist award: Nico Henderson, Not Yet Discovered, Ngatimoti School

Rocking drummer award: Ocean King-Turner, The Seven Sins, Ngatimoti School

Best keyboardist award: Lucia Banks, The Backbeats, Nelson Central School

Rockshop spokesman, Hamish Jackson, says for many of the kids Rockshop Bandquest is the biggest musical moment of their lives.

“It’s great for us to be part of that, “ he says. “Bandquest provides a unique opportunity to kids at this age, it’s all about participation and giving it a go. The kids definitely throw themselves into it and the results have been amazing.”

This year over 215 bands have entered Rockshop Bandquest, performing in events from run August 20 to September 3, with four events in Auckland, two in Hamilton, one in Tauranga, Gisborne, Hawke Bay (combined with Showquest), Wellington, Nelson, three events in Christchurch, and one in Dunedin. There is an on-line national final with results announced on September 20.

Ends

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