Champagne With Mary-Jane has been crowned the 2015 Battle of the School Bands winner after the final in Darwin last night.
The band was one of ten finalists from across the Territory who fought it out for the top spot and will now perform at BASSINTHEGRASS in Darwin on Saturday 23 May 2015.
Also getting a gig at BASS is Jarrod and Prayer who took out the duo/soloist category of the Battle.
NT Music School principal Andy Mison said the 2015 Battle of the School Bands was the biggest to date, with three extra heats included in the competition, to accommodate increased interest from students across the Territory.
“This year the competition has seen a growth to 27 entrants, compared to 14 last year.
“The annual competition was designed to support arts education and engagement of students across the NT.
“It allows students to develop songwriting, musicianship and performance skills as part of school curriculum.
“It also provides vocational training and industry networking opportunities for those interested in musical careers, and fosters our local cultural life by bringing young performers and audiences from different schools together to share their creativity.
“It’s great to see so many talented students coming together and having fun at the same time,” Mr Mison said.
Eight heats were held throughout the Territory including Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Nhulunbuy, Groote Eylandt, Katherine, Palmerston and Darwin.
Established in 2009, the Battle of the School Bands is open to all NT Middle and Senior Years (7-12) students currently enrolled in a government or non-government school.
There are two categories: Bands (of three or more students); and the solo/duo category. Entrants must compose and perform original music only. Bands are judged on their stage presence, musicianship and originality.
This year’s finalists included:
Soloist - Levi Rothwell
Soloist - Ziggy Durling
Soloist - Keahnu Bishop
Duo- Indie Road
Duo- Jarrod & Prayer
Band - Wings of Icarus
Band - The Onesies
Band - Good Question
Band - Love Patrol
Band - Champagne with Mary-Jane
Band - Actual Footage
This year’s winners are:
Middle Years Encouragement Award
Ziggy Durling (soloist) –Darwin Middle School
Best Song
Studio 2 – Centralian Senior College
Best Song Runner Up
Wings of Icarus – Katharine High School
Solo/duo Runner Up
Indy Road – Kormilda College
Solo/duo Winner
Jarrod & Prayer – Taminmin College
Band Runner Up
Actual Footage – Darwin High School
Band Winner
Champagne With Mary-Jane – Darwin High School & Palmerston Senior College
Media contact - Sarah Trinne 0401 119 215