Music workshop hits the right note

Lewis de Jong (left), Matt Ealand, Henry de Jong and Ethan Trembath at the Smokefree Pacifica Beats workshop at Whangarei Youth Space.

A bunch of talented Northland musicians have been given some help to develop their sound by some of the experts.

The musicians were at a Smokefree Pacifica Beats workshop at Whangarei's Youth Space on Monday learning from the professionals.

Smokefree Pacifica Beats director Glenn Common says the aim is to boost awareness of what it takes to enter Smokefree Pacifica Beats and help young musicians to reach that level. "The mentors will give hands-on practical advice to this year's entrants to help them with their online entries, and they'll also work with students who are keen to enter but maybe not sure if they're eligible," said Mr Common, who was at the workshop.

Smokefree Pacifica Beats director Glenn Common (left) with Huia Shortland, Mana Harding and Izaia Tilialo, at the Smokefree Pacifica Beats Whangarei workshop on Monday.

"The aim is to increase their confidence and give them some clarity about what they need to enter next year."

Smokefree Pacifica Beats is a sister event to Smokefreerockquest, reflecting the unique cultural identity of Aotearoa and the Pacific. Participants need to incorporate at least one aspect of Maori/Polynesian language, instruments, dance or movement in their performance.

Alien Weaponry, from Bream Bay College and Otamatea High School, and made up of teenagers brothers Lewis de Jong (guitar/vocals), Henry de Jong (drums) and Ethan Trembath (bass), came second in last year's Smokefree Pacifica Beats. They were at Monday's workshop.

Northern Advocate photographer John Stone went along to watch Mr Common and mentor Lukas Wharekura help the budding musicians.