1. Competition Overview

Harwyn Rocking the Nation 2025 (“the Competition”) is organised by Harwyn (“the Organiser”). The Competition is open to independent and Catholic secondary and combined schools in Australia, aiming to inspire creativity and showcase musical talent through a national Battle of the Bands.

2. Eligibility

2.1 Participant Schools: Open to all independent and Catholic secondary and combined schools in Australia.

2.2 Student Participants: Must be enrolled in Years 7 to 12 during the 2025 academic year.

2.3 Band Composition: Each band must:

• Consist of 2 to 6 members.

• Feature only currently enrolled students from the same school.

• No staff members, instructors, or other school personnel may perform in any capacity during the band’s video or live performance.

2.4 Entry Limit:
Each school may enter only one band into the Competition unless the school has multiple campuses. If a school has multiple campuses, they can submit a single video for each campus. However, only one band per school (includes all campuses) will be entitled to entry into the Final.

2.5 Exclusions:
Immediate family members of Harwyn employees or individuals involved in organising or judging the Competition are not eligible to participate.

3. Registration

3.1 Process:
Schools must register via the official Competition website:
https://harwyn.com.au/rockingthenation/

• Registration must be completed by a school administrator, not by students.

• Schools must be registered in order to enter a band into the competition. They will only receive video submission instructions once registered.

3.2 Timeline:

• Registrations open: November 2024

• Video submission deadline: Midnight AEST, 1st April 2025

4. Video Submissions and Musical Integrity

4.1 Each school is responsible for selecting their own band to enter the competition.
4.2 Video entries must be submitted by the official school representative.

4.3

• Video submissions can be a maximum of 10 minutes, which may include one or two songs.

• Bands may perform original songs, covers, or a mix of both. Covers can be close to the original or include a unique interpretation while staying true to the rock/pop spirit.

• All instrument families are welcome, including brass, strings, percussion, woodwinds, voice, all types of keyboards, and all guitars (electric, acoustic, and bass).

• Bands must perform live, with each member playing their respective part without pre-recorded assistance.

• The use of backing tracks, pre-recorded loops, samples, or any form of audio playback is prohibited, except for real-time instrument effects (e.g., guitar pedals).

• Bands found using prohibited material will be disqualified immediately.

• Inappropriate or offensive imagery, language, or attire will result in disqualification.

• All band members must be clearly visible in the frame.

• Each song must be one continuous shot with no edits.

• School uniforms and school-identifying images are not to be included in the video to ensure impartiality.

4.4 External Judging of Video Submissions

• An independent panel of qualified music industry professionals will review all submissions.

• Judging will be fair, transparent, and based strictly on criteria outlined in paragraph 5.

• All submissions will be anonymised for impartiality.

• The top 9 bands will be announced on 1 May 2025 and progress to the Grand Final.

• In case of a tie, judges will re-evaluate tied submissions.

• Judges’ decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

• Feedback will not be provided.

4.5 Harwyn Rocking the Nation Live Grand Final Event

• Date: Sunday, 10th August 2025

• Venue: Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Melbourne

• Finalists are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.

• Finalists must attend sound checks during the day (times to be advised).

Equipment:

• No acoustic piano

• No backline

• No additional lighting

• No personal in-ear monitors or radio mics (bands can bring their own buds)

Organisers Will Provide:

• Instrument storage – guitar rack and tuning station

• Drum kit, 2 guitar amps, 1 bass amp, and electric piano

• Guitar effects pedals

Performance Requirements:

• Bands must perform live with no pre-recorded assistance.

• Only real-time effects (e.g., guitar pedals) allowed.

• No substitute musicians or digital enhancements.

• Certain non-melodic effects may be approved in writing 2 weeks prior.

• Prohibited use results in disqualification.

• Finalists will perform 2 songs live.

• The winner will be announced on the night.

• The winning band receives the Music Pod and a $25,000 voucher.

5. Judging Criteria

5.1 Evaluation Criteria:

• Pitch Perfect: Tuning of singing and instruments

• Groove: Steadiness of pulse and rhythmic cohesion

• Chops: Technical proficiency and tone development

• Team: Band tightness and song accuracy

• Vibe: Energy, interaction, and audience communication

5.2 Each criterion holds equal weight.
5.3 Judges’ decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

6. Prizes

6.1 Harwyn Music Pod:

• Specialist commercial building designed for music education

• Size: 3.15m x 3.3m external footprint

• Includes delivery, footings, and installation

• Excludes landscaping, decking, ramps, steps, onsite electrical/comms connections

6.2 $25,000 Voucher for Musical Instruments:

• Purpose: For purchase of instruments and related equipment

• Distribution: Equally shared among winning band members

• Authorised Retailer: Harwyn-nominated; usable online or in-store

• Restrictions:

  • Non-transferable

  • Not shareable with non-band members

  • Must be redeemed within validity period

• Redemption Process: Issued by Organiser to winners

• Dispute Resolution: Via retailer or Organiser

• No Cash Substitutions

• Lost/Stolen: Organiser not responsible

• Legal Compliance: Must follow applicable laws

7. Responsibilities of Participating Schools

7.1 Ensure all participants meet eligibility criteria.
7.2 Obtain parental or guardian consent.
7.3 Ensure submitted content complies with video rules (see 4.3).

8. Code of Conduct

8.1 Professional and respectful conduct required.
8.2 Discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour = disqualification.
8.3 All decisions by HRTN regarding conflict resolution are final.

9. Intellectual Property

9.1 Participants retain copyright of original work, but grant the Organiser a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use materials for promotional purposes.
9.2 Participants warrant they own/have permission for all performance content. Applies to original songs only.

10. Privacy

10.1 Personal info used only for administering the Competition.
10.2 Data handled per Australian Privacy Act (1988).

11. Liability Waiver and Health and Safety

11.1 The Organiser is not responsible for:

• Technical failures or delays

• Travel or accommodation costs

11.2 Participation is at entrants’ own risk.
11.3 Organisers will ensure reasonable safety measures.
11.4 Participants must follow venue safety protocols.
11.5 All Organiser staff will have WWC.
11.6 Participants are responsible for their own instruments and gear.

12. Amendments and Cancellation

12.1 The Organiser may amend terms at any time.
12.2 The Organiser is not liable for cancellations due to uncontrollable circumstances (e.g., pandemics, strikes).

13. Consent for Media Coverage

13.1 Participation implies consent for media usage of names, images, and performances.
13.2 Schools must obtain written parental consent for under-18s in public materials.

14. Withdrawal

If a finalist withdraws, the Organiser may select an alternate.

15. Agreement to Terms

By participating, schools and students agree to abide by these terms and conditions.

The Organiser reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions with changes communicated to participants in advance.

For inquiries, please contact HRTN@harwyn.com.au