Mentors Make the Difference at Smokefree RockQuest and Smokefree Pacifica Beats

September 30th 2014
Congratulations to all finalists and winners of the 2014 Smokefree Pacifica Beats & Smokefree Rockquest and their Mentors provided by the Bands Mentoring Programme.

The Bands Mentoring Programme, funded by the Ministry of Education, provides music industry professionals to work one on one with Rockquest and Pacifica Beats finalists.

The Soulful 7 from Auckland Girls' Grammar, mentored by Annie Crummer, were named this year's national final winner of the Smokefree Pacifica Beats. Open Arms from Rotorua Boys' High School, mentored by Neihana Mackey-Harrison of 1814, were named runners-up. Third place went to Jahmon Fever from Aotea College in Porirua, mentored by Te Awanui Reeder (Awa).

Special mentions to our friends Nesian Kings at De La Salle College, mentored by Charlie Pome'e from Three Houses Down and Aryze at Hagley Community College, mentored by Maisey Rika.

SFPB organiser Elena Lome says mentoring also plays a big part in the students' journey, contributing to their motivation, skill and confidence.

Dub-roots four piece HeadChef from Wellington High School took out first place in this year's finals of Smokefreerockquest. Spokesman Carlos McQuillan said it was the ‘funnest time ever': "We had mentoring from Mike Fabulous (from the Black Seeds) that really helped us and we worked and reworked our songs - I think it was their structure and our performance that got us through."

Joe's Van from Mt Manganui College, Mentored by Chris Mac of Six60, took second place; and third place winners Vivid from Marist College and Diocesian College had Mentoring from Julia Deans.

Anna Coddington, Jon Toogood and Ben King also lent their talents to Solo and Duo winners Georgia Lines, Cam Dawson and ELAE. 

 

 

 

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