Rockfest Fever is sweeping through the Stanmore Campus. Auditions were held at lunch time in Week 7. Guitarists, vocalists and drummers took to the steps of Centenary Hall to a crowd of hundreds as they battled it out to make it into the show.

The auditions have always been a fundamental part of the Rock Band Program because they ensure that bands have their songs organised well before Rockfest, and promotes some healthy competition between the bands. As a result, boys practise harder and do extra rehearsals. The vibe in the music department during this time is electric and full of energy and camaraderie. This year, the choice to make the auditions public meant that candidates had the extra hurdle of not only being able to play to their best of their abilities in front of judges, but also a live audience of boys and staff at Lunch.

The Rockband program has been running for nine years at Newington, with over 16 bands rehearsing with a professional tutor on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Students who sing or who play contemporary instruments such as guitar, bass, drums and keyboard are encouraged to join the Year 7 Rock Club, which is an introduction to the Rockband Program. Any boy however, is welcome to join at any time. We are also increasingly collaborating with other musical ensembles such as strings and brass.

Rockfest 2015 kicks off in Centenary Hall from 7:00 PM Tuesday, 23 June. The night will showcase boys in bands from Year 7–12. See you there!

Mr Chris Paton
Head of Contemporary Music