Alice Springs’ Centralian Senior College students will rock out at the BASSINTHEGRASS festival in Darwin next month after taking out the NT Music School’s 2018 Battle of the School Bands grand finale. 

Musicians from Centralian Senior College, Juice won Best Band, while Ceenah won Best Soloist at this year’s competition. 

NT Music School Regional and Remote Programs Manager Simon Pedder said this year’s competition was extremely impressive, with acts from across the Territory taking out the wins. 

“This was the first time in the history of Battle of the School Bands that Centralian Senior College has produced both the winning band and soloist to earn the privilege to perform at The People’s Choice Credit Union BASSINTHEGRASS,” Mr Pedder said. 

“A highlight for the show was runner-up band from Nhulunbuy High School, The Sky Band who entertained the crowd with yidaki (didgeridoo), bilma (clap sticks) and guitar with a tribute song for Arnhem Land sung in both English and Yolgnu Matha.” 

Best song was awarded to Darwin duo Auburn Lights with their tune Hooked and the Judges Encouragement Award was presented to Nhulunbuy High School band, Crimson Finch. 

Punk-rock band from Good Shepherd Lutheran College Darwin, Industrial Sub-Division, earned the People’s Choice Award.  

Mr Pedder said the competition, which is now in its ninth year, saw heats take place in Darwin, Palmerston, Nhulunbuy, Alice Springs and Katherine. 

“Battle of the School bands is a popular and much anticipated music event with over 200 people attending the grand finale at Browns Mart Theatre and over 600 people from around the world streaming online,” he said.

“Every year the competition gets bigger and better and we are so excited to see so many schools, students and community members get together to support the Territory’s young artists.

“With music part of the school curriculum, Battle of the School Bands allows students to develop their creative musical talents and performance skills in a positive way. 

“This competition is about bringing young performers from different schools together to share their talents.” 

The highly successful night was capped off with an after show entertainment performance by Dripstone Middle School band, Wok ’n’ Roll with two original songs.  

Media contact: Jordan Raymond-Monro – 0401 119 215