JAWZ clinch Bandquest title

Sixteen bands from around the region took the Theatre Royal stage for Rockshop Bandquest last week, with Nelson Intermediate School band JAWZ taking the top spot.

The nationwide competition is for intermediate and primary students and is now in its 14th year.

JAWZ rocked the stage with a cover of ‘Bulls on Parade’ by Rage Against the Machine and their original track ‘Piggies’.

Judge Ryan Beehre from Minuit said that the talent displayed at the Nelson event on Thursday night was “outstanding.”

“An incredible privilege to see Bandquest in its 14th year and witness the amazing results our rangatahi achieve when working together in the context of music here in Whakatu.

“Amidst the collective synergy of the bands some incredible vocal talent and instrumentation skills shone through, and it was very evident the fruits of the labour the teachers and mentors have poured into these bands. A fantastic foundation of the power of working together for our young students.”

Co-founder and co-director Glenn Common says that the benefits of participating go far beyond just the event day.

“Rockshop Bandquest is an awesome and invaluable opportunity for these rangatahi. Working together to plan and perform, they are learning through the experience - developing their communication, leadership, and goal-setting skills in a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment.”

Second place went to Twisted Tongues from Waimea Intermediate School and third place went to Obsidian from St Joseph’s School Nelson.

The online national finals will be taking place next month with the results announced on 25 September.