Kids stepping into the Spotlight with Band Lab

What is Band Lab?

Created by Turn Up the Music, Band Lab is a new, fun, and inspiring way for singers and musicians aged 10–13 to experience the thrill of being in a band.

Students will be grouped into mini-bands of up to four singers/musicians. From band names to song choices, outfits to stage style — it’s their chance to create their band identity. After nine weeks, they’ll take the stage at a well-known Queenstown venue in front of family, friends, and the public. The classes will run on Saturday mornings, 10am-12pm at Wakatipu High School (except for Saturday, 25 October).

Local musicians and performers Violet Hirst and Anna Dorsey will mentor students, helping them to build confidence, work as a team, and shape their sound. Violet Hirst, is a locally born singer-songwriter and musician who performs and tutors with voice, piano and guitar. Violet has performed all over Aotearoa and further with her own music and with several alternative/indie music bands and has experience working as a band mentor with Aotearoa’s Girls Rock organization. Anna Dorsey is singer and pianist who has been in several choirs, vocal groups and sings in a band. She is a performance coach for Te Atamira and enjoys helping others to find joy through music.

“Band Lab for us was born out of a shared desire to help more young musicians access the joy of creating and performing music with others. By helping them to experience the fun, creative energy of being in a band and giving them a chance to perform to a crowd, we are giving young musicians a great opportunity to take that next step in their musical journey.

They will learn about working as a team, listening, finding their creative voice, and growing self-confidence. It’s exciting to be working with local young talented musicians on this new adventure and to help them shine,” Dorsey says.

Spaces are still available. Register at turnupthemusic.co.nz