Rock Bands Through to Regional Finals

The top two College rock bands, Foolish Rakia and Monark, have spent the last few months writing and polishing up their original songs which they performed to judges last weekend at the preliminary round of the Smokefree Rockquest  - Aotearoa’s only nationwide, live, original music youth event.

Over 40 bands from the southern and eastern Auckland schools area competed at the Dorothy Winstone Centre at Auckland Girls Grammar School from which 12 were selected to go through to the regional finals, including both Saint Kentigern bands.

Foolish Rakia performed an original, upbeat song about being under pressure, titled, ‘The Craziest Thing,’ with extended saxophone and keyboard solos.

• Caleb Corban, Year 12 - Bass
• Samuel Voyle, Year 12  - Sax
• Thomas Joyce, Year 12 - Drums
• Tommy David, Year 12 - Keys
• Harry Lowe, Year 13 – Vocals and Guitar

Monark performed their original song titled, ‘Belle’, a pop jazz fusion that's sure to be just the beginning of many more future creations from the band.

• Jeremy Brigh, Year 12 - Drums
• Angus Tucker, Year 12 - Guitar
• Luka Ljubisavljevic, Year 12  - Bass
• Elijah Ivimey, Year 11 - Guitar
• George Turner, Year 11 - Vocals

Congratulations also to staff member, Geordie McCallum, who has been coaching the bands to write and perform their original songs for this competition.

The two bands are due to compete at the Manukau Regional Finals on Friday June 18, where the judges will select the regional wining acts, as well special prizes. The top two winning bands, along with the People’s Choice winner, will have the opportunity to do a video submission for the national competition.

The bands would love your support! You can either

• Text – Vote for our 2 bands!  Text name of act (no capitals, no gaps - foolishrakia or monark ) to 3196. Text cost 20c, one per cell phone.
• Attend- Even better, rock up to Dorothy Winstone Centre at Auckland Girls Grammar at7pm Friday 18 June, tickets are $10 at the door. Hope to see you there!