Seven students from Northlakes High School on the NSW Central Coast organized and staged a music festival called Northwave as part of their VET Entertainment Industry Studies course.
The event was held in the school gymnasium and featured six local bands, attended by over 300 people.
Student Drew Perrot-Schryver said, "We couldn't wait to have our own and show everyone what a couple of teenagers are capable of."
Key Details
- Event: Northwave music festival organized by seven Year 12 students.
- Location: Northlakes High School gymnasium, NSW Central Coast.
- Date: Not specified, but reported as recent.
- Attendance: Over 300.
- Performers: Six bands, mostly metal/rock, including local artist Jinjo (Cameron Barnett).
- Funding: Multiple sponsorships from local businesses and a community barbecue.
- Course: The event was the final assessment for VET Entertainment Industry Studies, a course offered alongside regular Year 12 classes.
- Teacher Involvement: Teacher Nathan Murray stated the school was "completely hands-off" in organizing.
- Student Roles: Students handled booking, marketing, lighting, sound engineering, and approvals from the principal.
- Outcome: Students will gain a Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services.
"It's really special to give [heavier] bands a platform." — Performer Jinjo
Student Perspectives
Student Brock Rhodes said it was a "no-brainer" to choose a live music festival.
Organizer Blake King stated, "Teenagers want live music no matter what, it made sense to have music they could move and possibly mosh to."
Teacher's Insight
Teacher Nathan Murray said, "It's so much more beneficial to send the kids out to the world with more than just an ATAR, but something tangible on their resume."
Background
Northlakes High School has offered the VET Entertainment Industry Studies course for three years. Previous cohorts organized a disco and a haunted house. The festival was the first of its kind for the course.