Killarney Heights Public School hosted their fifth annual World Music Day on Sunday 21 June, featuring its very first Battle of the Bands competition.
The event has grown significantly over the years and now features three stages of live performances, school bands, choirs and string ensembles, community music groups, food stalls and family activities.
Principal Gillian Tegg said the community music festival brings together families, local school and community groups and musicians from across Sydney’s Northern Beaches and North Shore.
“This year we launched an inaugural Battle of the Bands competition for young musicians aged 12 to 18,” said Ms Tegg.
“There are industry-supported prizes on offer for the best musicians, including recording and rehearsal studio sessions, performance opportunities and music mentoring.
“Who knows – we might have future Triple J Unearthed winners here on the north shore,” she added.
Taking out top honours in the battle was Sistarz, comprising Roseville College’s sister duos Stella and Ava, and Kimberley and Jackie, plus bestie bassist Sophie.
Local young bands Scrimpy, Glide and Owls in the Moss took out second, third and fourth places respectively, while Davidson High School Year 10 students came fifth in their band Plunge.
World Music Day is organised by the school community and serves as both a celebration of music education and an important fundraiser for the school’s P&C, music and French bilingual programs.
“Importantly, it provides students with authentic performance opportunities while showcasing the strength of public school music programs,” Ms Tegg said.
School bands from Killarney Heights Public and High Schools, and Forestville, Mimosa and Roseville Public Schools entertained the audience during the event.
They were joined by local professional musicians Moonburn, I Don’t Know, Through the Roof, Soph & Trix, and Stationary Movement.