Rockshop Bandquest is a platform for the next generation of contemporary musicians to step out and perform in a supportive and encouraging competition format, with a focus on education, inspiration, and entertainment.
Rockshop Bandquest was founded in 2011 by Rockquest Promotions, the company behind nationwide original music competitions Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats.
Rockshop Bandquest is Aoteaora’s live music event for Primary and Intermediate aged school students. In its thirteenth year, the programme annually hosts hundreds of young bands in venues throughout the country.
Presented by the Wright Family Foundation, and powered by NZ Rockshop, the programme is run by RQP (Rockquest Promotions) - the team behind Smokefreerockquest, Smokefree Tangata Beats, and Showquest performing arts competitions.
After noticing during the Smokefreerockquest & Smokefree Tangata Beats event seasons that there was a demand for a live music programme focused on younger students - the RQP team collaborated with their longtime partners at NZ Rockshop to launch Rockshop Bandquest in 2011. The kaupapa is to encourage Primary and Intermediate aged musicians onto the stage; learning through experience and developing their performance skills alongside their teamwork, communication, goal-setting and leadership skills.
Rockshop Bandquest is designed for students who are not quite at the point of writing their own songs yet, to give them a chance to get up on stage and get a taste for it. Entrants get to perform in a supportive and encouraging competition format, with a focus on education, inspiration, and entertainment.
More information on the history of RQP can be found on the Smokefreerockquest website - here
What are the Rockshop Bandquest Conditions of Entry?
I can’t make it to my regional event, can I enter in a neighbouring region instead?
When will the photos from our region be in the Gallery to view?
What kind of gear will there be to play on at the events? Will there be footswitches? What do we need to bring?
What time do the shows start and finish?
How much are tickets to regional finals? Are there door sales?
Who can enter Rockshop Bandquest?
Can students play in more than one band?
What happens after winning a regional final?
What format do videos have to be when submitting to be evaluated for the National Finals? Can it be of us playing live?
What is the running order for my region’s event?
Do we get any feedback from the judges about our performances?
Do we get a soundcheck at any of the events?
What if I live in an area of Aotearoa that doesn’t hold an event? Can I still enter?
What happens if my band wins our region’s event?
Do we have to write our own songs?
Who do I contact if an entrant, or their friends or whanau who will be attending an event, has ACCESSIBILITY requirements?
COVID-19
Covid-19 over the past two years has become an everyday consideration for us all, and will be something we are all thinking about as we move towards the event season.
In regards to vaccine passes for 2022 - our entry process reflects the latest regulations, which is these are not required. We do ask that if you or your child have any covid-19 symptoms that you stay at home.
There are many moving parts, and we appreciate your understanding while we continue to adapt alongside the New Zealand Government guidelines.
