Move over ‘High School Musical’, because ‘for those about to rock we definitely salute you’ as five talented teenage bands from the Sunshine Coast prepare to get their rock chops on at the upcoming inaugural ‘Surge’ High School Rock Spectacular.
Five local high schools have been approached by event organisers and asked to nominate a student band who will each unleash their inner rock gods at the very first ‘Surge Spectacular’, set to power up the stage at the Caloundra Events Centre on Wednesday August 17.
Beerwah, Maleny, Burnside and Caloundra State High Schools, along with Meridan State College have backed the initiative that has seen school music staff and principals enthusiastic about this unique opportunity to encourage their students to perform on stage and develop connections through music.
This school community ‘battle of the bands’ style program has been passionately promoted by Beerwah State High school chaplain Mike Turner, who in collaboration with school staff members, local businesses and organisations has been committed to developing an exciting youth project in response to the negative impacts of COVID-19 and as a way of boosting mental health in general for young people in the region. Mike explained to GC&M News that when so many events were cancelled or postponed due to Covid over the last few years, the organising team were determined to take these adverse conditions and turn them into an opportunity to create a positive, supportive environment for young rock bands on the Coast.
“We wanted to create an opportunity for Sunshine Coast teenagers to be able to perform on stage, make connections with other teen musicians, and be mentored by music industry people,” explained Mike.
“The theme of the event is about young people championing positive mental health through their music.”
With support from The Lions Club of Beerwah, Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Mooloolaba Music Centre, as well as Caloundra Music Festival and Glasshouse Guitar Works, Mike said the idea was not just to put on an eisteddfod event, but to develop a series of experiences for young performers to connect with each other, tap into their potential and learn more about the music industry and its people.
“We’ve found that here on the Coast while a lot of kids play rock music or are in bands while they are at school once they leave they’re on their own, so we thought this would be a cool opportunity to help make stronger networks, build performance confidence and foster skills that would encourage ongoing development in the music industry,” explained Mike.
The main show will take place at the Caloundra Events Centre on Wednesday August 17 with tickets available soon on the Events Centre website… so watch this space!
