21 September 2024 - 0 Comments

It's clear that age is no barrier to musical talent, as proven by the outstanding musicians from Primary and Intermediate schools who have wowed audiences across Aotearoa in the 14th annual Rockshop Bandquest competition.

It’s been the programme’s biggest year yet, with over 300 Primary and Intermediate school bands competing across Aotearoa to win the title of National Winners. On Friday, Chaotic Blaze from Whangaparāoa College in Auckland came out on top, winning first place for 2024.

In winning 1st place, Chaotic Blaze, who is made up of students Charlie Kellingray (Vocals), Russel Leopoldo (Guitar), Nathan Huang (Bass) and Zhenechka Soeiro (drums), have won an incredible $2,000 in musical equipment from Rockshop. The band also won one of our individual musician awards for Killer Guitarist.

Judging the National Final this year was Louis Baker and Georgia Lines, with Louis Baker saying they were blown away by the young talent on display.

"It’s obvious to see that there’s a huge amount of talent coming through here in Aotearoa. I’m excited to see the next generation of kiwi artists and musicians grow and hone their craft."

Judge Georgia Lines stated that it was an “absolute privilege” to be a part of the judging panel for Rockshop Bandquest this year.

“The level of talent among Aotearoa's young musicians is truly exciting! Witnessing the musicianship, passion, and technical skill of bands like Chaotic Blaze gives me immense hope for the future of music in our country.”

Sweater Weather from Rangikura School in Wellington were named the second place winners in the band category, winning $1,500 in musical equipment from Rockshop. The judges wanted to make a special mention for the band's stand-out kapa haka section of their performance.

A number of awards were also presented for the online National Final, highlighting outstanding aspects of musicianship these young musicians showcased. One of these awards is the Original Song Wright-er Award, presented by this year’s sponsor The Wright Family Foundation. Jawz from Nelson Intermediate won this award for their original song Lockdown, winning $200 for their School Music Department.

Launched in 2012 as a development pathway into the high-school programmes Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats, Rockshop Bandquest provides an opportunity for budding musicians to step out and perform in a supportive and encouraging competition format. The focus is on education, inspiration, entertainment and confidence-building.

The track record of Rockshop Bandquest is quickly growing, with past participant Nat Hutton going on to have success in Smokefreerockquest and beyond, including being nominated for a Silver Scroll with her act There’s A Tuesday. Bella Rafflyn, another past participant, has gone on with her band Coast Arcade to open for huge Aotearoa artists including The Beths and Princess Chelsea.

Hamish Jackson of The Rockshop, key sponsor for the program, highlights the positive and long-term impact of creative initiatives like Rockshop Bandquest, saying: “The benefits of joining a music community as a young musician are immeasurable. It's a safe space to learn, grow, and gain confidence in their musical abilities. Supporting youth in their musical journey not only creates a vibrant music community but also enriches the cultural landscape of New Zealand.”

Chaotic Blaze have shown themselves to be an exceptionally talented bunch of rangatahi - keep an eye out for what these young musicians do next!

1st placed band: Chaotic Blaze from Whangaparāoa College

2nd placed band: Sweater Weather from Rangikura School

3rd placed band: Light Switch from Northcross Intermediate School

Original Song Wright-er Award (winning $200 for their School Music Department): Jawz from Nelson Intermediate

Star Vocalist Award (jointly awarded): Alex Smith (The Eight Balls) from Tahuna Normal Intermediate

Star Vocalist Award (jointly awarded): Finn, Jade and Charlie (Stonerock Band) from Stonefields School

Specialist Instrument Award: Jerry Cui and Cyrus Zhou (Light Switch, Keytar Players) from Northcross Intermediate School

Rockstar Styles Award (jointly awarded): Huckleberry Boyes (The OBS Rockers) from Ōhope Beach School

Rockstar Styles Award (jointly awarded): Alijah Ngaronga (10KMAGIC) from Rutherford Junior High School

Killer Guitarist Award: Russel Leopoldo (Chaotic Blaze) from Whangaparāoa College

Rock-solid Bassist Award: Caleb Alexander (Ampt Up) from Napier Intermediate School

Rocking Drummer Award: Gio (10KMAGIC) from Rutherford Junior High School

Outstanding Keyboardist Award: Liliele Semu and Tiferet Tanoai (TM8) from Te Matauranga School Prizes:

1st place band wins: $2000 Musical equipment from the Rockshop
2nd place band wins: $1500 Musical equipment from the Rockshop
3rd place band wins: $1000 Musical Equipment from the Rockshop

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