Competition TIME
The first three weeks of June are always an incredibly busy time for all our students involved in nationwide competitions. Kicking off with RockQuest at the beginning of June, we were thrilled with the results across all disciplines.
ROCKQUEST THREE OUT OF THREE
Lift band
Dio has featured strongly in RockQuest in recent years, but when a number of band members graduated last year, we were unsure about what we would see in 2019. Despite our concerns, we were thrilled to have three bands participate in RockQuest, the national song-writing and live performance competition. From Year 10 we had two bands enter: KamoKaze (an electro-funk inspired keyboard-based band) and Mishka (featuring a more alternative pop sound). Year 9 rock band Lift featured last year in BandQuest, the intermediate competition, and made their 2019 debut at RockQuest with two new players. In term one, all three bands worked hard to finish writing a song and developing their performance skills. At the Auckland Central heats in May, the bands played very well and stood out for their originality and unique sound. The placings at the national final were announced at the conclusion of the performances and the first two slots went to Lift and Mishka. After a nail-biting wait, the final band to be announced was KamoKaze! Dio had three bands through to the regional finals from three entries! We have never had such strong performances by our Junior High School bands, and to have three entries proceed to the finals was also a first! For the finals, the bands had to each write and polish a new song – in just three weeks! Although this was very challenging, the girls 50
DIO TODAY
Mishka band
Kamokaze band
did a wonderful job of producing quality pieces that they performed superbly in front of a large and supportive crowd. To top off a great evening, Mishka’s Mia Reid was chosen for the Best Vocals award. Dio’s RockQuest bands are: Lift – Aimee Schnuriger, Victoria Wright, Olivia Turnbull, Olivia Smithies and Grace Wellington. KamoKaze – Lucia Partigliani, Amelia Lockley, Emma Parton and Riya Raniga. Mishka – Jasmine Soakai, Grace Field, Mia Reid, Sophia Winstanley, Kika Brethouwer and Alyssa Callander. In the solos and duos category of RockQuest, we had our largest ever group of entries. Performing original songs as a soloist can be a daunting experience, especially when the material is often very personal. Again, our Junior High girls performed superbly. Tyler Butler and duo See Through (Alex Graney and Pascale Vincent) performed with confidence and expression. Senior performers Sabreen Islam, Grace David, Gracie Scragg and Olivia Luxon each presented unique and highly engaging pieces. Gracie Scragg was chosen for the Best Lyrics award with her impassioned song about the Christchurch attacks. In Term 3, the focus goes on to our Year 7 and 8 bands at BandQuest. We look forward to seeing more new musical talent coming through our band programmes.
Mia with Jasmine and Grace
Mia Reid
Grace Scagg
