The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Riot of colour sets schools Rock Challenge event alight
Pupils from across Aberdeenshire took part in a prestigious musical competition over the weekend to crown the region’s top school.
Aberdeen’s Exhibition and Conference Centre was packed on Saturday night with more than 1,700 people from across the north-east turning out to cheer on their local schools.
The annual Rock Challenge event was this year supported by Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeenshire Community Safety Partnership, NHS Grampian, Choices for Life, Aberdeen Council, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, and Razzamataz.
Schools from Westhill, Mintlaw, Stonehaven and Fraserburgh were represented over the weekend, but it was ultimately pupils from Fraserburgh Academy that won over the judges with their musical interpretation of the Tohoku tsunami of 2011.
Aberdeenshire Council’s community safety leader Cheryl Smith attended the event on Saturday.
Last night, she hailed each school’s effort.
“What a fantastic night with wonderful performances showcasing the array of talent from across Aberdeenshire, congratulations to all involved,” she said.
Each school had been asked to describe their performance on the night.
Fraserburgh Academy’s was dubbed Magnitude 9.1.
A spokeswoman said: “We revisit Tohoku in March 2011, moments before a catastrophic tsunami demolishes all in its path. Separating mothers from their children on what could be their final moments.”
Mackie Academy placed second with their performance Mei Ming, a story of a female heroine who takes it upon herself to fight stereotypes.
Third place Mintlaw’s piece was dedicated to legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.
Westhill Academy finished fourth with their story of a vicious storm on the Flannan Isles in the Outer Hebrides.
Peterhead Academy was also present on the night, showcasing their own performance to the audience.
The Buchan school has already qualified to the Rock Challenge Northern Premier Final taking place at Grimsby Auditorium in July.
Last year the academy took home awards for the quality of their choreography, stage use, soundtrack, set design, visual enhancement, lighting, video performance, and community spirit at the event.