Young rockers impress judges

Dundee’s Caird Hall is the venue for Scottish final of Rock Challenge

Musical Montrose Academy and Kinross High pupils were among those who rocked the socks off judges at Dundee’s Caird Hall last night.

They were joined by youngsters from Mackie Academy in Stonehaven, plus seven other schools in the north of Scotland, as more than 1,000 pupils battled it out in the Scottish final of this year’s Rock Challenge.

Kinross finished second with It’s Happening Now, behind the winning team from Dingwall with Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

The Montrose youngsters gave a reprise of No Warning, No Escape which won them their place in the final at the Dundee heat in March.

That performance saw them win 11 awards of excellence, including the coveted performers’ choice award, which sees competing teams vote for their favourite act.

The other schools taking part in the sell-out event were Aberdeen heat winners Fraserburgh Academy, as well as Thurso High School, Invergordon Academy, Alness Academy, and Westhill and Mintlaw acadamies.

Audience members in the packed theatre, including friends, families and VIP guests, had queued around the block to get in.

They showed their appreciation of the rousing acts, which saw an X Factorstyle panel of four judges praise the performances, costumes and effort.

The event followed a whirlwind day of rehearsals in front of their peers.

Global Rock Challenge events originated in Australia in 1988 and now take place in 120 countries across the world, including the UK.

Produced by charity The Be Your Best Foundation, the primary aim of the challenge is to encourage young people to make positive life choices free from tobacco, alcohol and drugs.

It encourages pupils to choreograph and star in a short musical based on making positive choices.

Those taking part come from secondary schools, colleges and schools catering for those with special needs.

Rock Challenge supervising event manager Sophia Campbell said: “The standard of performances this year has been incredible.

“It’s so rewarding to see how the hard work and dedication of all the students, staff, parents and local communities creates such great memories for the young people.

“Qualifying through to the final is such a great accomplishment in itself, every single school that has got here should be so proud.”

More than 2,000 youngsters compete in the UK grand final on July 1.