Schools rock with talent

By Tania Martin
THREE schools from across the region have proven their star quality.
Both the Knox School and Fairhills High School took out the honours in the 2009 Rock Eisteddfod Challenge.
Emerald also proved to be tough competition, claiming fourth place in the premier division grand final.
The Knox School won the open division crown last Thursday (17 September) with their performance ‘Below the Surface’.
It follows a girl who disappears on a bustling Melbourne street and is believed to have gone underground.
Her friends search for her only to encounter some strange life forms both good and bad.
They discover a sinister answer to where all the ‘missing people’ have gone in the past.
The following night Emerald College and Fairhills High School went head to head in the battle for the Premier Division.
Emerald College’s performance ‘Wanted: Creator of Chaos’ followed the devil as she searches for a new apprentice.
Audiences were enthralled as the story followed the evil goddess as she interviewed various characters vying for the position from gremlins to mummies, zombies and evil angels.
But in a twist no one saw coming, good triumphs over evil.
Principal Wayne Burgess said although the students were disappointed with fourth place, it was a brilliant effort.
“I am really pleased with how we went and I know the students would have like to rank higher but I thought it was fantastic,” he said.
Emerald College also took out the gong for the Best Costumes.
“I wasn’t surprised by this our costumes were magnificent,” he said “I thought they were the best on night and they should be proud of what they achieved amongst some very strong competition.”
Fairhills High School took the honours in the division with their performance ‘Bon Appètit!,’ which was based loosely on the life of 18th Century icon Marie Antoinette.
Principal Harvey Wood was delighted by the win but said he wasn’t surprised. “We were more ahead of the competition this year than in other years,” he said.
Mr Wood said the school had a fantastic team.
He said the rock eisteddfod was a great way to bring parents, teachers and students together.
“It’s a great relationship and team building exercise,” Mr Wood said.
Fairhills High School will now compete against the best performances from across Australia in the National Grand Final, to be broadcast on the Nine Network on Saturday 31 October and Saturday 7 November.
Rock Eisteddfod Challenge manager Mikaela Dockrill has commended students for their enthusiasm, hard work and professionalism.
“All schools displayed an inspiring amount of talent and dedication at the events, resulting in three spectacular nights of youth expression and creativity,” she said.