A Kedron State High School band will be among 30 other student acts competing at this year’s Battle of the Rock Bands (BOTRB).
The Ultraboyfriends will perform on Friday, 9 October, as part of the three-night competition at Clairvaux Mackillop College.
Year 12 Coordinator and Music and Digital Technologies Teacher Sean Perkins said the band was a “supergroup” formed from two school bands, Becker and the Boyfriends and Ultraviolet.
“Rather than battle it out themselves, they decided to join forces!” Sean said. “The Ultraboyfriends put forward an awesome audition and approached it with enthusiasm and professionalism.”
He said the band had stuck to its rehearsal schedule “week in and week out”.
“They sorted out their setlist really early and have been fine-tuning that as time goes on,” he said. “Additionally, they have taken every opportunity to play for people, whether that be at lunchtime at school or just for friends. They exude enthusiasm and hard work.”
The band comprises students from Years 10 and 11, with Mia Bloxsom on lead vocals, Andrei Cruz on guitar, Lily Winter on keyboard/synth, Dylan Gallagher on drums, Sam Miers on guitar and trumpet, Rex Ashford on bass and baritone sax, and Sophia Becker on bass and piano.
Mia said she was “excited to represent Kedron on such an awesome stage” and was looking forward to interacting with the crowd.
“I get all of my energy from the audience!” Mia said. “My entire life is music, so I see myself continuing to be involved in vocal and instrumental music and performing in theatre in the future.”
Andrei, who watched BOTRB as a spectator last year, said he was “blown away by the level of professionalism and quality the show had to offer.”
“Being invited to perform there is one of the coolest things to happen to me and the night will definitely be one I won’t forget,” Andrei said.
Sophia said members would swap instruments for some songs, with her playing guitar for one and piano for another.
“I’m really excited to have professional lighting and sound systems, as that’s something that you don’t really get to experience normally,” she said.
Sam said BOTRB was an opportunity to grow as a musician and performer.
“I went to watch last year and it was just the best experience, so I was super keen to be a part of it myself,” Sam said. “I’m also keen to get to meet some of the other bands participating and build connections with other aspiring young musicians.”
Dylan said he initially felt scared about competing but now feels “nothing but excitement for the upcoming performance.”
“I am looking most forward to being there and performing on behalf of Kedron and going against other bands,” Dylan said.
Rex said he couldn’t wait to “feel the energy of the crowd cheering” for the band.
“I want to keep up/study music after high school, and this is great in developing those performance skills,” he said.
Lily said she was looking forward to representing Kedron.
“Many people have come up to me and the band saying they got tickets to see us on the night, which made me realise all the amazing support we have,” she said.
Get tickets here. For more information, find ‘Battle of the ROCK Bands’ on Facebook or @battleoftherockbands on Instagram.
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- Chermside Army Camp
- Families Have Their Say on Playground Upgrade
- Kedron State School Celebrates 100 Years Of History
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