State of Me wins regional Bandquest
LOOK at the state of you.
It is a remark often dished out by parents to their poorly dressed or filthy children.
But for John McGlashan College band State of Me, it is a remark synonymous with good music.
Band members Matt Hall, Matt Hanna, James Kinney and William Cameron won the 2020 Otago Rockshop Bandquest music competition for intermediate and primary pupils, held at Taieri College on Monday.
Bandquest works as a platform for the next generation of contemporary musicians to step on stage and perform.
This year, 13 Otago bands competed and were among 200 from around the country to compete in regional competitions.
Judge Maddy ParkinsCraig said it was the highest number of competitors the event had attracted to date.
‘‘After a year of unprecedented isolation, it’s wonderful to see so many of our young people coming together to create and share music.
‘‘We had so many firsttime performers tonight and I can’t wait to see them on stage again next year,’’ she said.
The competition is known for giving young musicians an opportunity to develop musical and creative ability, along with the teamwork, communication and leadership skills that are needed to perform together as a band on stage.
Following the regional events, there would be an online national final and results would be announced on December 4, she said.
Otago results:
State of Me (John McGlashan College) 1; MG2 (Dunedin North Intermediate) 2; The Jazzaholics (Tahuna Normal Intermediate) 3. Best original song: Queen Neptune (Tahuna Normal Intermediate). Best vocalist: Crossroads (Dunedin North Intermediate). Best vocalist: TNL Trio (Bathgate Park School). Musicianship award: 25 Times Rock
(Kaikorai Valley College). Rockstar Styles award: Rhythmicool (Taieri College). Killer guitarist award: The Thunder Thieves (Balmacewen Intermediate). Rocksolid bassist award: State of Me (John McGlashan College). Rocking drummer award: MG2
(Dunedin North Intermediate). Best keyboard player: The Jazzaholics (Tahuna Normal Intermediate).