The head of Mount Maunganui College’s Music department is “thrilled” with the results from students competing in the heats of a national music competition.

“Mount Maunganui College has achieved an incredible feat in the Rockquest competition,” said Music Department Head Tia Beaufort.

One of the groups took first place in the solo/duo category.

“And four of our talented bands have successfully made it through to the regional final on June 13," Beaufort said.

Sketch band members Charli Palmer, Lucy van der Lem, Penny Eades, and Rubes Emery. Photo/Supplied.

“This is a huge accomplishment and a proof to the dedication, hard work, and musical talent within our student body,” Beaufort said.

“It showcases the vibrant and thriving music program at MMC, and we believe it's a story that highlights the positive achievements of our young people in the arts.”

Bath Salts band members Joshua Bisley, Theo Holme, Ollie Murrell. Photo/Supplied.

The first-place duo act is Three Man Tent made up of students Florence Steer and Eva Dixon. The four bands are Spud, Sketch, Bath Salts, and Asylum – a band formed with Mount Maunganui College and Pāpāmoa College students.

“We're thrilled that four of our bands will be moving on to the regional finals, making it into the Top 12 from 50 local bands,” Beaufort said.

Bath Salts band members are Joshua Bisley, Ollie Murrell and Theo Holme. Sketch is made up of Lucy van der Lem, Penny Eades, Charli Palmer and Rubes Emery. Spud band members are Lennox Lloyd, Layton Cox and Bryn Lloyd, while Asylum’s band members are Oliver Spence, Tayla Reid, Ollie Sutcliffe and Francois Oosthuizen.

Spud band members Lennox Lloyd, Bryn Lloyd, Layton Cox. Photo/Supplied.

Since 2022, Beaufort has transformed the music curriculum at Mount Maunganui College, shifting its focus towards student creation, performance, and recording of original music.

“This emphasis has clearly paid off,” Beaufort said. “Every year since 2020, MMC students have released a full-length album of their original music on Spotify.

“Their recent successes in the Rockquest competition, which requires original compositions and performances, show the positive impact of this initiative.”

The regional heats were held at Baycourt Performing Arts Centre on May 25.

The finals will be held at Totara St on June 13.