School rockers find identity

Masterton Intermediate School band Mistaken Identity has been relentless in the pursuit of school rock achievements.

Rock band tutor Elton Halford said the nine-piece placed third out of almost 30 bands that competed at the 20th anniversary Wellington Intermediate Schools Battle of the Bands contest last month.

The MIS group rocked the Little Theatre in Lower Hutt at the contest with renditions of Ladyhawke's My Delirium and Bon Jovi tune Living on a Prayer, he said.

Band bass player Jeremy Thurston also took the best bassist award at the competition.

Mr Halford said Mistaken Identity was "a good tight unit" that had quickly learned its three-song repertoire, which also included Ready To Go by Republica.

Mr Halford said two other Wairarapa school bands also competed at Lower Hutt this year, from Lakeview School and Greytown Primary School.

The drummer with the Lakeview School band, Loimuni Lefata, won the best drummer award at the competition.

Mr Halford said the number of competing bands increases each year, with 28 bands, comprising 270 musicians, at this year's event - a record in the 20-year history of the competition. Muritai School band The Bumnotes won the intermediate schools' contest after earlier last month claiming the Rockshop Bandquest title.

The MIS band next month plays an arts evening at the Lighthouse Church and at the final assembly at Wairarapa College to cap its performance year.