Introduction
Get ready to rock! The ultimate battle of the bands has arrived and the search is on for the hottest young musical talent in the country. Does your school have the legends we’re looking for?
In this debut year of the competition, we’re ready to be blown away by a new wave of epic young superstars from around Australia.
Prizes
Not only will the winning band at the Grand Final event in August become heroes of this great musical nation, they will also win:
- An award-winning Harwyn Music Pod valued at over $100,000 for their school. Find Out More.
- A $25,000 voucher for musical instruments, to be shared among the band members for themselves.
Eligibility
Each school can only enter one band into the competition. Your school’s band must:
- Feature only Year 7 to 12 students from Independent or Catholic schools in Australia.
- Have between 2-6 members.
- Fall into the Rock/Pop genre.
- Consist of members who are all current students at your school.
Calling all rockstars!
Australia’s biggest-ever prize for a school music competition is here, and it’s all up for grabs. Step up, stand out, and take your shot at the ultimate musical glory.
It’s time to shine!
01
Stage 1.
School Registration (Open now!)
- This competition is free to enter.
- Register your school’s interest to participate in the competition and stay tuned for all the updates, deadlines and exciting announcements in the lead up to the Final.
- Promote the competition at school, at assemblies, in your newsletter, on social media and display the poster around your school. (Promotional pack coming soon)
02
Stage 2.
Internal Auditions and Judging (at school level)
- Set up an internal registration process for the interested bands at your school.
- Each band must record a video of themselves performing either one or two songs.
- The video can be up to a maximum of 10 minutes long. (Video guidelines coming soon)
- The bands can perform covers or originals or both – we strongly encourage original work.
- Establish an internal judging panel to assess the videos submitted by your school’s bands and select the top band to represent your school to be in the running for the Grand Final!
03
Stage 3.
Video Submission
- The deadline for submissions is 1 April 2025. Video upload details will be provided closer to the time.
04
Stage 4.
External Judging
- An independent panel of judges will review the submissions from all the schools. Stay tuned for the announcement of judges.
- The Top 8 bands will be announced on 1 May 2025 and will progress to perform live at Harwyn Rocking the Nation Grand Final!
05
Stage 5.
Harwyn Rocking the Nation Live Grand Final – August 2025
- The Grand Final will take place in Melbourne at a venue to be announced shortly.
- Each band will perform in front of a packed live audience and our esteemed judges.
- The winning band will be announced on the night and legends will be made. The winners take all – they will win the Music Pod for their school and the $25,000 voucher for themselves.
- It will be an epic night of talent, sweat and entertainment which will be etched forever into the memories of everyone involved, and above all, glory will rain down on the victorious musical heroes who will have well and truly Rocked the Nation!!
Judging Criteria
How in tune is the singing and instruments.
How steady is your pulse, how authentic are your grooves, how well do you relate to each other rhythmically.
How fluid is your technique, how well developed is your tone.
How tight are you as a band, how accurately do you play your songs.
How is your energy, how well do you interact with each other, how well are you communicating with the audience.
Key Dates
November 2024
Registrations open
Term 1 2025
Schools internal auditions
1 April 2025
Video submission from schools
1 May 2025
Judges announce 8 finalist bands
August 2025
Harwyn Rocking the Nation Live Grand Final
Register your School
Bring it on – we can’t wait to see what you’ve got! This is your shot to unleash your talent, own the spotlight and put your school on the map.
Please note: Registration must be completed by the school administrator, not by students.
It's time to make some noise!
Please email any questions to hrtn@harwyn.com.au