Don College music students performed at the North-West heat of the Rock Challenge on September 5, winning the judges over with their standout performances, which earned them a place at the State Final.

Charlotte Woods and Charlee Saunders performed original songs in the acoustic solo section, while bands Nacho Varga (Ned Eaves, Oliver Mason and Geb Davis) and Disciples of the Cavern (Charlee Saunders, Ronan Mace, Kye Knowles and Blair Wilby) entertained the audience with their original and cover songs.

On September 16, they put on a professional performance for an enthusiastic audience made up of people from all over the state at the State Final. The experience gave them the opportunity to make connections and build relationships with not only their peers from other schools across the state, as well as work with people working in the music industry. 

The Rock Challenge is Tasmania's premier contemporary youth music event which gives students the opportunity to perform in a professional setting.

Reflection by Charlee Saunders: 

The State Final of Rock Challenge was incredible. Being on stage is the most liberating and powerful thing for me; when I am up there with my guitar in front of the microphone, I can be whoever I want to be. My band, Disciples of the Cavern, played two original songs, ‘Keep Talking’ – a song about ignorance towards government oppression – and ‘Head in the Dryer’ – a song about questioning our surroundings and defining reality.

The band played well and rather than playing for the judges, we played for the audience, and they loved it. There was screaming, jumping, flashes of lights, camera and cheers. That’s one of the reasons I love music, to bring people, total strangers together like that is truly something beautiful. I’m very grateful for the amazing guys in my band who enhanced the performance with me, those ten minutes on stage will be something we will all remember for a lifetime.

Reflection by Charlotte Woods:

The Rock Challenge this year was unbelievable! The amount of talent presented was unreal, I had the best time and made some awesome connections with other musicians. I strongly encourage any music students to go for it because you won't regret it!

Congratulations to all students involved!