The Arrowtown School rock band had the audience wrapped around their little fingers during their winning performance at the Otago Rockshop Bandquest competition in Dunedin last Friday.
Band members Ashton White, Luka Bouchier, Hugh Hodgson, Alice Davis, Bethany Graf and Ted Coutts were among 10 primary and intermediate bands, from Stewart Island to Oamaru, which competed in the regional competition.
Arrowtown School teacher Karen Neill said the pupils were surprised by their win because they were a small rural school competing against large urban schools.
''We're pretty ecstatic really. Amazed.''
Rockshop spokesman Hamish Jackson said for many of the pupils entering Bandquest, it was the biggest musical moment of their lives.
''This programme is giving kids the opportunity to put a band together and get up on a professional stage, which gives them more than just musical skills.
''It develops their teamwork, leadership, communication and creative skills, all while building their confidence.''
Ms Neill said the band would now make a music video, which would be sent to a panel of judges who would compare them with other bands around the country, to decide which bands would receive national awards.
The national awards will be announced on September 6.
Otago Bandquest results: Pinch of Chilli (Arrowtown School) 1, O'Nesians (Oamaru Intermediate) 2, Rakiura Rockers (Halfmoon Bay School) 3; best original song: Exclamation Mark! (Taieri College); best vocalists: O'Nesians (Oamaru Intermediate School) and Bethany Graf (Pinch of Chilli, Arrowtown School); musicianship: David Song (saxophone, Amped Up, Tahuna Normal Intermediate); styles: 7/11 (Taieri College); guitarist: Sophia Johnston (Blue Flame, St Hilda's Collegiate); bassist: Tiana Elisara (J-Salts, Bathgate Park School); drummer: Tyler Little (Amplifyde, Taieri College); keyboard: Maita Madami (The Diamonds, John McGlashan College).
