Cashmere High School band, Portland, took out top spot on night one, while Shirley Boys’ High School’s Single Malt were in top spot on night two, at the regional finals at Ngaio Marsh Theatre earlier this month.
Second place went to Kenring from Middleton Grange School on night one, and 3D Howls from Burnside High School on the second night.
To face other bands from across the country, they will need to submit a video of their original material.
If selected as one of the top 10 national finalists based on their video entries, they will then go on to battle each other at the Q Theatre in Auckland on September 18.
Haeata (New Dawn), of Haeata Community Campus, also has the opportunity to proceed to the Tangata Beats national finals on September 17 through the same selection process.
Judging both events, Moses Emmanuel said the overall standard in Canterbury is very high.“It has been so awesome to see what a huge amount of great musical talent is coming out of Christchurch schools. It’s clear there’s a lot of support for the students by the music departments,” he said.
Founder and director Glenn Common said the potential of each new round of finalists is reflected in an industry full of past participants.
“It’s fascinating for us to look back at success stories like Kimbra, Marlon Williams and Broods, where we could see the star factor right back at the regional level,” he said.
National prize packages include $22,000 in Rockshop vouchers, $16,000 of NZ On Air recording, a video and promo package, and a photo shoot and branding package.
