School of rock nurtures talent
Whether it’s rocking out to Guns N’ Roses or tapping your toes to a catchy original piece, the Rockshop Rockfest has it all covered.
Primary and intermediate school bands from across Nelson came together on Wednesday at Broadgreen Intermediate School for the 10th annual show.
Broadgreen principal Pete Mitchener started the non-competitive event to get kids involved and boost their confidence in a fun way.
Year five Riwaka School pupil Tobin Van Boekhout-McKenzie said his band, Zombie-Mode, came together two weeks ago and it was the band members’ first time performing on stage.
‘‘Music is my passion, it’s literally all I do,’’ said Tobin, who had dreams to be like Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendez.
Hampden Street School teacher Chris Phillips was in the 2011 Smokefreerockquest winning band The Peasants, from Garin College. He said the Rockfest inspired individuality.
‘‘I’m a big believer in developing the whole child. It’s not just about writing, reading, maths . . . there’s so much more to do out there.’’
Phillips said the Rockfest provided great exposure to music and was a stepping stone to the high school Smokefreerockquest competition. ‘‘It’s about nurturing those talents.’’
Tobin – who plays bass, drums, guitar and ukulele, and plans to learn piano – had been on stage only once before the Rockfest, and said he felt completely different walking off stage this time. ‘‘I feel happier . . . way, way more confident.’’
Mitchener said the feeling of accomplishment among the performers was more important to them than who the best guitarist or band was. ‘‘It’s a big challenge just getting up on stage and performing in front of people.’’
Phillips said that with the likes of brother-sister duo Broods and singersongwriter Robinson on the international stage, Nelson had been put on the musical map.
‘‘It’s inspiring for the young guys as well, because they’re all listening to that music.’’