AMANZIMTOTI High School learners channelled their inner rock stars for a thumping battle of the bands as part of the school’s third annual Rock the School on July 25.

Also read: The Coastals make a splash in debut performance

This year, competition was intense, coming down to the wire as judges weighed their options, namely The Coastals, Rewind and the newly-formed New Dawn.

Organiser Abbygail Scott said that the judging panel, not short of experience in the music world themselves, consisted of Charmaine Verall, a multi-talented musician and the school’s deputy principal, Chad Porter and Duane de Coning, from Sweetwater Rockband, who both boast multi-instrument specialties.

“Finally it came down to the newcomers on the scene, New Dawn, taking the win, with New Dawn’s drummer, Kyle Schubach, being awarded male performer of the day. The female performer of the day was the talented vocalist, Danae Erian from Rewind. After the bands battled it out, patrons were treated to a drum circle and learning experience from Double Beat Drum Studio before Sweetwater Rock Band, Free Your Minds and You First rocked our school,” said Scott.

Also read: The power of music for wellbeing

While all this was going on, there was a market and a children’s play area. Scott was happy to report that the event was a huge success.  

All funds raised went towards the school’s counselling department, the newly conceived Blessing Fund and upgrading the school library. 

The Blessing Fund

The fund provides immediate, once-off financial relief to learners facing sudden personal, family, or educational hardships.

“The goal is to relieve short-term stress so that learners can maintain their dignity and continue their education without interruption during difficult times,” said Scott.

The idea sprung up when during a string of floods, one AHS learner’s house collapsed.

This year, the school finally had enough left from last year’s Rock the School after expenses to establish The Blessing Fund.

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